Areas of Interest

Gulf Coast Region Crude Oil Production
When oil and gas was discovered in 1901 at the Spindletop Field in Beaumont, TX, the Gulf Coast Region changed the world, ushering in the modern oil industry that we know today. The Gulf Coast has turned out to be one of the best places in the world to find oil and gas. With upwards of 20,000 feet of stacked sediments beneath the coastal regions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, the Gulf Coast has proven to have the right geology, temperature, and timing to create over 1.48 trillion barrels of oil and 153 quadrillion cubic feet of natural gas.

The East Texas Oilfield

The East Texas Oilfield, discovered in 1930, is one of the largest and most productive oilfields in the United States. Located in northeastern Texas, it stretches across five counties: Gregg, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, and parts of Cherokee (see the Map of Texas Oil Fields below). The field spans around 140,000 acres and has produced more than 5.2 billion barrels of oil since its discovery, making it a cornerstone of the American oil industry. Its discovery sparked a significant economic boom in the region, leading to the rapid growth of towns and the establishment of numerous oil companies, which thrived on the newfound wealth.

Two fascinating historical facts about the East Texas Oilfield highlight its importance. First, its discovery was due in large part to the persistence of a wildcatter named Columbus Marion “Dad” Joiner, who struck oil with his third well, the Daisy Bradford No. 3, after two failed attempts. This discovery marked the start of the oil boom in Texas. Second, the rapid and unregulated drilling frenzy led to overproduction and a dramatic drop in oil prices. To manage the chaos and stabilize the market, Texas Governor Ross Sterling sent the Texas National Guard to enforce prorationing laws, making it one of the few instances in American history where martial law was declared and the military was used to regulate a civilian industry.

Eagle Ford Shale

The Eagle Ford Shale is a significant geological formation in South Texas, known for its rich deposits of oil and natural gas. Spanning across 30 Texas counties, the shale formation runs from the Mexican border near Laredo up to East Texas, covering an area approximately 400 miles long and 50 miles wide (see the Texas Oil Fields Map below). The formation lies about 4,000 to 12,000 feet below the surface, containing an estimated 4.73 billion barrels of oil and vast amounts of natural gas. The Eagle Ford Shale has been a critical player in the U.S. energy sector, significantly contributing to the resurgence of domestic oil and gas production since the early 2000s, primarily due to advancements in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) technologies.

Two interesting historical facts about the Eagle Ford Shale highlight its impact on the energy industry. First, although the shale was initially identified in the early 20th century, its potential for oil and gas production wasn’t fully realized until Petrohawk Energy Corporation drilled the first successful modern well in 2008. This discovery set off a drilling boom that transformed South Texas, leading to substantial economic growth and job creation in the region. Second, the Eagle Ford Shale is notable for its combination of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, making it one of the most versatile shale plays in North America. Its diverse resource output has allowed producers to adapt to fluctuating market conditions, ensuring its viability even when oil or gas prices alone might not sustain production profitability.

New Mexico
The first oil discovery in New Mexico occurred in 1911, with the first big oil strike occurring in 1922 in the Hogsback Field. Both of these discoveries occurred in the San Juan Basin, the 2^nd largest natural gas field in the United States which has produced over 1.3 trillion cubic feet of gas as of 2009. Along with the San Juan Basin, a portion of the prolific Permian Basin sits within New Mexico’s borders, housing more than 25,000 oil wells and 2 of the top 100 largest oil fields in the United States. With these two oil and gas producing regions, along with other smaller regions, New Mexico is the 6^th largest supplier of energy to the nation.