These are interim results of a comprehensive long-range study of hydrocarbon distributions in the various sedimentary basins of the United States utilizing the computerized LORENDAS exploration data base. This data base, developed over the last 5 years, includes an exploratory well file, an oil field file, and a gas field file; together, they contain the principal statistical elements of exploration histories, as well as sedimentary volumes by depth zones, for each sedimentary basin in the United States. These data have been used to investigate correlations (1) between exploratory drilling density and observed oil field and gas field size distributions, accounting for depth and geologic setting; and (2) between cumulative exploratory drilling and discovery rates.

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