The results of an extensive series of analyses of the field size distributions and discovery rates observed in the main producing provinces of the United States focus on the successive depth zones in the onshore Gulf basin. The analyses deal with the relationships between exploratory drilling density (feet/cubic mile of sediment) and (a) corresponding field size distributions, and (b) hydrocarbon discoveries. They distinguish between oil and gas. This analysis by depth zones can be used to develop estimates of the ultimately discoverable hydrocarbon resources in the various producing zones of United States basins.

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