This is a compilation and study of statistics on exploratory drilling in 1945. It is the first report contributed as a result of the work of the Association's committee on statistics of exploratory drilling. However, in practically all respects it presents an analysis which is similar to, and continuous from, the earlier reports on exploratory drilling by the chairman.

During 1945, 5,613 exploratory holes were drilled in the United States. Of these, 3,036 were new-field wildcats, 1,364 were new-pool tests (including new-pool wildcats, deeper-pool tests, and shallower-pool tests), and 1,213 were outposts. Among the new-field wildcats, 351 were successful; among the new-pool tests, 383 were successful; and among the outposts, 480 were successful.

The total exploratory footage drilled was 23,030,266 feet in the 5,613 holes, or 4,103 feet per hole. These figures contrast with 20,225,887 feet drilled in 4,796 holes, with an average depth of 4,217 feet, in 1944.

Although the number of holes drilled and the footage drilled, and also the number of successful exploratory holes completed, all show an increase over 1944 and earlier years, the degree of success, measured in barrels of oil discovered, again reveals a decline. From these facts it is evident, as stated in previous reports on this subject, that we must aggressively continue all phases of the exploration program for petroleum.