During 1963, 517 exploratory tests and 1,143 development wells were drilled in West-Central Texas. Total activity in the District was approximately the same as in 1962, whereas exploratory drilling increased 20.2%. Development drilling decreased from 1,234 wells in 1962 to 1,143 wells in 1963. The percentage of successful exploratory tests decreased from 30.3% in 1962 to 22.5% in 1963.

The areal distribution of successful exploratory tests in 1963 was similar to that of the past several years. A majority of the new discoveries in District 7-B were completed as oil producers.

Seismic activity in West-Central Texas decreased from 119 crew-weeks in 1962 to 103 crew weeks in 1963. Thirty-six gravity crew-weeks were reported, which is the greatest activity reported since 1958.

It is anticipated that exploratory drilling in West-Central Texas in 1964 will follow a pattern similar to that of 1963.