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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 67 (1983)

Issue: 10. (October)

First Page: 1660

Last Page: 1668

Title: Oil and Gas Developments in West Coast Area in 1982

Author(s): N. D. Dainty (2), David Woltz (3)

Abstract:

Activity was brisk in the onshore area of California during 1982. Four hundred and seventy-five exploratory wells (41.4% successful) were drilled, including the discovery of 2 new oil and 4 new gas fields. The number of wells drilled decreased from a record 486 in 1981 to 475 in 1982; however, the total footage drilled increased from 2,711,217 ft in 1981 to 2,910,277 ft in 1982, and the average footage per well jumped sharply from 5,579 to 6,127 ft. In addition, 2,062 development wells were drilled (97.4% successfully).

At various times during the year, up to 10 drilling vessels were active in state and federal waters. Four new offshore discoveries were announced by Texaco, Atlantic Richfield, Oxy, and Union. Texaco's "Hueso" discovery is a probable extension of the Chevron-Phillips Point Arguello field announced in October 1981. The field is believed to be a giant oil field containing over 100 million bbl of recoverable reserves. Union, Oxy, and Atlantic Richfield struck oil in the fractured Monterey Shale. Further delineation drilling will be needed to determine field reserves.

California's total oil production for 1982 was 401.4 million bbl, a 4% increase from the 1981 record of 385 million bbl.

Five unsuccessful wildcats were abandoned in Washington. Although there were some encouraging shows, the accumulations were deemed noncommercial.

The bulk of drilling activity in Oregon centered around the Mist gas field. There were no discoveries announced for 1982.

Geothermal activity in California was concentrated in The Geysers, Imperial Valley, and Coso areas. Oregon activity continued at the Newberry caldera.

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