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It is possible to calculate the cost of finding crude oil in the Rocky Mountain area by means of an exhaustive examination of published data. Expenditures can be computed by applying unit costs to physical factors, most of which are readily available. The total expenditures when compared with the barrels found furnish an estimate of the cost per barrel. The cost of finding per barrel for three areas covering much of the interior United States is as follows.

Table

Costs of finding oil are increasing in most areas of the United States at a faster rate than development and producing costs; they are expected to increase in the future. To find more oil at less cost is the challenge to the petroleum geologist.

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