In 1982, geologic data from the exploratory wells in the offshore southeastern United States were released to the public. Prior to this time, well data were limited to the COST (Continental Offshore Stratigraphic Test) GE-1 well, the first deep-penetration well, which was completed in 1977. Six additional exploration wells were completed thereafter. Although these wells were dry holes, information provided by them has contributed to the geologic interpretation of the Atlantic margin.

The oldest rocks penetrated by these wells are Paleozoic indurated shale and argillite, sandstone and weakly metamorphosed quartzite, and igneous rocks. The post-Paleozoic section ranges from 2,220 to 3,660 m (7,280 to 12,000 ft) thick at the well sites, but seismic data indicate that the equivalent section thickens to 10-12 km (6-7 mi) beneath the Blake plateau. The Lower Cretaceous through Cenozoic section represents a progression from nonmarine and marginal marine to marine sedimentation. Three main units are recognized: lower siliciclastic, middle calcareous mudstone, and upper limestone. The siliciclastic unit consists of interbedded gray to red-brown sandstone, siltstone, and shale with some conglomerate, coal, evaporites, and carbonate rocks. Based on petrographic examination, he sandstone compositions vary between arkose, litharenite, and quartz arenite.

Calcareous clay and shale (grading to shaly limestone) overlie the siliciclastic rocks. The upper limestone contains chert, oolites, and shell fragments and ranges in composition from micrite to sparite. By comparing these units to the onshore Georgia sedimentary section, regional lithofacies trends that can be useful for future exploration are recognized.

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