Geological estimates of undiscovered recoverable oil and gas resources in the United States

Abstract

The estimates in this report of undiscovered recoverable oil and gas resources for the United States were made: (1) by carefully reviewing a large amount of geological and geophysical information gathered on more than 100 different provinces by over 70 specialists within the Survey; (2) by applying a variety of resource appraisal techniques to each potential petroleum province; and (3) through group appraisals and the application of subjective probability procedures. These methods provide a range of estimates which are summarized in terms of low, high, and mean values for the various provinces and groups of provinces, or regions. The basic data and procedures used are documented and are being incorporated into a dynamic, data-intensive system that can be upgraded, updated, and reevaluated periodically. These data are open to public inspection.