The Permian basin has fallen into the national pattern of decline in exploration. Exploratory wells total 551 and development wells 2,587. This represents a decrease of 161 exploratory wells and an increase of 228 development wells compared with 1969. Exploratory well success in West Texas was 21.5% and in eastern New Mexico 12.9%; the overall area success is 19.4%, a decrease of 8.9% from 1969. Development well success was 88%, an increase of 3.0% over 1969. In 1970, an increase of 67 wells, all types reported, represents a 2.2% increase over the preceding year. The drilled footage reflects a net decrease of 150,630 ft.

Crude oil production in West Texas and eastern New Mexico during 1970 was up by 50,195,803 bbl or 7.7%, over 1969.

The most active exploration areas were the Eastern shelf, the Delaware basin, and the Northwest shelf. Development activities were confined largely to secondary projects and extension of the Spraberry trend in the Midland basin and continued development on the Northwest shelf. Seismic activity decreased 22% compared with 1969. Leasing activity in the reporting area is moderate.