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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 55 (1971)

Issue: 7. (July)

First Page: 943

Last Page: 957

Title: Developments in Alaska in 1970

Author(s): Ernest B. Lian (2)

Abstract:

The most significant development in Alaska in 1970 was the beginning of a statewide exploration decline brought about by the combination of the Federal land freeze and the continued delay in obtaining permission to construct the trans-Alaska pipeline from the Arctic Slope to the Gulf of Alaska.

Exploration drilling in the state in 1970 was down 38% compared with 1969. Only 28 wildcat wells were drilled, 15 on the Arctic Slope, 10 in the Cook Inlet basin, 2 in the Bristol Bay basin, and 1 well in the Copper River basin. Geophysical activity and surface mapping remained at approximately the same level as 1969, with 128 crew-months of geophysical work and 46 crew-months of surface mapping in 1970.

Development drilling declined 22% in 1970 with only 49 development wells drilled. The decline was due to completion of development drilling in many of the Cook Inlet fields, plus the delay in construction of the Arctic Slope pipeline.

Both oil and gas production increased significantly in 1970. Gas production went up 47% from 148,992,263 to 219,949,190 Mcf. Oil production increased 13% in 1970 from 74,313,431 bbl in 1969 to 83,614,083 bbl in 1970.

The outlook for 1971 is for a continued decline in exploratory drilling and commencement of a decline in geophysical activity. Development drilling will show a very sharp decline, however, production should remain at approximately the same level as 1970. Alaska's oil exploration and development drilling activity will probably continue to decline until the native land claims issue is settled and the trans-Alaska pipeline controversy is solved.

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