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United States Assessments of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources

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By Central Energy Resources Science Center August 6, 2024

Explore US Undiscovered Oil and Gas Assessment Provinces

Assessment results, publications, data and more are available

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USGS Energy Resources Program provides periodic assessments of the oil and natural gas endowment of the United States and the World.  This website provides access to new, prioritized, assessment results and supporting data for the United States, as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).

Assessment Overview

Image shows a map of the assessment units of the 2018 Delaware Basin oil and gas assessment

The USGS assesses potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the United States.  This website highlights conventional and unconventional (continuous) oil and gas assessments.

Summary of Continuous Assessments

Interactive map and chart highlighting USGS Domestic Continuous (Unconventional) Oil & Gas Assessments, 2000-Present

This applications shows maps and tables of all continuous assessments in the United States.

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Recent Assessments

Below are the latest US Assessments:

Browse Assessments

National Oil and Gas Assessment Methodology

The U.S. Geological Survey Energy Resources Program assesses the potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the United States and around the world (click here for information about World Oil and Gas Assessments). Two methodologies are used by the USGS; one for assessing conventional oil and gas resources and one for assessing unconventional (continuous) oil and gas resources (such as shale gas and coalbed gas).  USGS publications detailing and explaining the conventional and continuous assessment methodologies are provided below.  These methodologies have been subjected to rigorous peer reviews by non federal panels, and the two panel reports are provided on this page.

 

Conventional Resources

USGS Reports

U.S. Geological Survey Assessment Concepts for Conventional Petroleum Accumulations
By James W. Schmoker and T.R. Klett

U.S. Geological Survey Input-Data Form and Operational Procedure for the Assessment of Conventional Petroleum Accumulations
By T.R. Klett, James W. Schmoker, and Ronald R. Charpentier

A Monte Carlo Simulation Method for the Assessment of Undiscovered, Conventional Oil and Gas
By Ronald R. Charpentier and T.R. Klett

 

Continuous Resources

USGS Reports

U.S. Geological Survey Assessment Concepts for Continuous Petroleum Accumulations
By James W. Schmoker

U.S. Geological Survey Input-Data Form and Operational Procedure for the Assessment Of Continuous Petroleum Accumulations, 2002
By T.R. Klett and James W. Schmoker

Analytic Resource Assessment Method for Continuous Petroleum Accumulations—The ACCESS Assessment Method
By Robert A. Crovelli

FORSPAN Model Users Guide
By T.R. Klett, and Ronald R. Charpentier
 

Methodology Revisions

Improved USGS methodology for assessing continuous petroleum resources.
Charpentier, R.R., and Cook, T.A.

Applying Probabilistic Well-Performance Parameters to Assessments of Shale-Gas Resources
By Ronald R. Charpentier and Troy Cook

Assembling Probabilistic Performance Parameters of Shale-Gas Wells
By Cook, Troy, and Charpentier, R.R.

USGS Methodology for Assessing Continuous Petroleum Resources
By Ronald R. Charpentier and Troy Cook

New U.S. Geological Survey Method for the Assessment of Reserve Growth
By Timothy R. Klett, Emil D. Attanasi, Ronald R. Charpentier, Troy A. Cook, Philip A. Freeman, Donald L. Gautier, Phuong A. Le, Robert T. Ryder, Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, and Mahendra K. Verma (Reserve Growth Assessment Team)

Variability of Distributions of Well-Scale Estimated Ultimate Recovery for Continuous (Unconventional) Oil and Gas Resources in the United States 
By U.S. Geological Survey Oil and Gas Assessment Team

Peer Review

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Committee on Resource Evaluation (CORE) Subcommittee to review the United States Onshore Continuous (Unconventional) Gas Assessment Methodology Used by the USGS

 

Reserve Growth Methodology

USGS Reports

New U.S. Geological Survey Method for the Assessment of Reserve Growth
By Reserve Growth Assessment Team

Reserve Growth of Oil and Gas Fields - Investigations and Applications
By Troy Cook

Peer Review

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Committee on Resource Evaluation (CORE) Subcommittee to review the Growth-to-Known Reserves

 

Below are a list of recent assessment areas.  You can also use the National Oil and Gas Assessment Map to browse these assessments.

Filter Total Items: 59
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Atigun River in Atigun Gorge - Brooks Range in Alaska

Alaska Petroleum Systems

The Alaska Petroleum Systems project has three main objectives: (A) conduct research that increases our understanding of Alaska petroleum systems, (B) conduct assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources, and (C) deliver energy-resource information to land and resource managers, policy makers, and the public.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Alaska Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Alaska Petroleum Systems

The Alaska Petroleum Systems project has three main objectives: (A) conduct research that increases our understanding of Alaska petroleum systems, (B) conduct assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources, and (C) deliver energy-resource information to land and resource managers, policy makers, and the public.
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Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments Map

Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted numerous assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in the Appalachian Basin, including studies of the Marcellus Shale. The region extends from Alabama to Maine. The following is an overview of the assessments.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted numerous assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in the Appalachian Basin, including studies of the Marcellus Shale. The region extends from Alabama to Maine. The following is an overview of the assessments.
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Province 5044 Permian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

Permian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Permian Basin of western Texas. This inlcudes the following.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Permian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Permian Basin of western Texas. This inlcudes the following.
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Province 5027 Montana Thrust Belt National Oil and Gas Assessments

Montana Thrust Belt Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources of the Montana Thrust Belt Province 5027 of northwestern Montana.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Montana Thrust Belt Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources of the Montana Thrust Belt Province 5027 of northwestern Montana.
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Province 5041 Raton Basin-Sierra Grand Uplift National Oil and Gas Assessments

Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Raton Basin–Sierra Grande Uplift Province 5041 of northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Raton Basin–Sierra Grande Uplift Province 5041 of northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado.
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Province 5037 Southwestern Wyoming National Oil and Gas Assessments

Southwestern Wyoming Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potentional of the Southwestern Wyoming Province 5037 of southwestern Wyoming, northwestern Colorado, and northeastern Utah.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Southwestern Wyoming Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potentional of the Southwestern Wyoming Province 5037 of southwestern Wyoming, northwestern Colorado, and northeastern Utah.
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Province 5033 Powder River Basin National Oil and Gas Assessments

Powder River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Powder River Basin Province 5033.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Powder River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Powder River Basin Province 5033.
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Province 5020 Uinta Piceance National Oil and Gas Assessments

Uinta-Piceance Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted a number of geology-based assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Uinta-Piceance Basin (USGS Province 5020) of western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Recent assessments include.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Uinta-Piceance Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted a number of geology-based assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Uinta-Piceance Basin (USGS Province 5020) of western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Recent assessments include.
Learn More
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Province 5031 Williston Basin

Williston Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of conventional and continuous oil and gas resources of the Devonian Three Forks Formation and Devonian and Mississippian Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin Province 5031 of North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Williston Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of conventional and continuous oil and gas resources of the Devonian Three Forks Formation and Devonian and Mississippian Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin Province 5031 of North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
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Province 5058 Anadarko Basin National Oil and Gas Assessments

Anadarko Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Anadarko Basin Province 5058.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Anadarko Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Anadarko Basin Province 5058.
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Province 5035 Wind River Basin National Oil and Gas Assessments

Wind River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Wind River Basin Province 5035 in central Wyoming.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Wind River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Wind River Basin Province 5035 in central Wyoming.
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Eastern Basins of US Oil and Gas Assessments

Eastern Basins Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Blue Ridge Thrust Belt (5068), Piedmont Province (5069), Atlantic Coastal Plain Province (5070), and the New England Province (5072). These basins are generally east of the Appalachian Basin Province (5067).
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Eastern Basins Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Blue Ridge Thrust Belt (5068), Piedmont Province (5069), Atlantic Coastal Plain Province (5070), and the New England Province (5072). These basins are generally east of the Appalachian Basin Province (5067).
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Below are datasets related to the National Oil and Gas Assessments.  

Legacy downloadable data
Filter Total Items: 46

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Southwestern Wyoming Province, Lewis Shale Conventional and Continuous Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in in the Lewis Shale of the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

National and Global Petroleum Assessment—North Chukchi Basin Province: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units, assessment input data, and resulting fact sheet data tables for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the North Chukchi Basin. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The assessment unit is defi
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Raton Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in upper Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the hig
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

New Source Rock Data for the Niobrara and Sage Breaks intervals of the lower Cody Shale in the Wyoming part of the Bighorn Basin

In 2019 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quantitively assessed the potential for undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous (unconventional) oil and gas resources in the Niobrara interval of the Cody Shale in the Bighorn Basin Province (Finn and others, 2019). Leading up to the assessment, in 2017, the USGS collected samples from the Niobrara and underlying Sage Breaks intervals (Finn, 2019
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

New Source Rock Data for the Lewis Shale from the eastern part of the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado

In 2021 the United States Geological Survey (USGS) sampled the lower part of the Upper Cretaceous Lewis Shale in the eastern part of the Southwestern Wyoming Province to better characterize its petroleum source rock potential for an upcoming resource assessment. Ninety-five samples from 24 wells were collected from well cuttings of the lower part of the Lewis Shale stored at the U.S. Geological Su
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research Project-Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the highe
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

Compilation of total organic carbon and pyrolysis analysis data for Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico

This compilation presents total organic carbon and pyrolysis analysis data for the Pierre Shale, Niobrara Formation, and other Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province. The data was used to characterize these potential source rock intervals in support of the oil and gas resource assessment in the province. The data was compiled from the publicly available files at
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project - Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of coalbed gas resources in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the highe
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Northwest Montana Bakken Formation: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Bakken formation of Northwest Montana. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the higher-lev
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

Data release for the 3D petroleum systems model of the Williston Basin, USA

This data release contains data associated with the journal article "Modeling the maturation history of the stacked petroleum systems of the Williston Basin, USA". Collectively, the data release includes 13 child items and metadata files that provide detailed descriptions of the attributes, processing steps, and original data sources. There is also a data table, "Williston_Basin_Data_Release_Overv
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

New source rock data for the Mowry and Thermopolis Shales in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the potential for undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous (unconventional) oil and gas resources in the Mowry Shale in the Wind River Basin Province (Finn and others, 2021). To better characterize the source rock potential of the Mowry Shale and associated strata, 129 samples were collected from 45 wells from the well cuttings collection
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 98

Assessment of conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Lewis Shale in the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado, 2023

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean conventional and continuous resources of 294 million barrels of oil and 11 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Lewis Shale in the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado.
Authors
Jane S. Hearon, Christopher J. Schenk, Thomas M. Finn, Benjamin G. Johnson, Sarah E. Gelman, Jenny H. Lagesse, Cheryl A. Woodall, Tracey J. Mercier, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kira K. Timm, Ronald M. Drake, Andrea D. Cicero, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Michael H. Gardner, Phuong A. Le, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in Upper Cretaceous marine shales of the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated means of 1.04 billion barrels of oil, 3.9 trillion cubic feet of gas, and 11 million barrels of natural gas liquids in Upper Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province in Colorado and New Mexico.
Authors
Thomas M. Finn, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Michael H. Gardner, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Scott A. Kinney, Jenny H. Lagesse, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean continuous resources of 0.8 billion barrels of oil and 16 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.

Authors
Katherine J. Whidden, Justin E. Birdwell, Rand D. Gardner, Scott A. Kinney, Stanley T. Paxton, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of coalbed gas resources in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean of 5.2 trillion cubic feet of coalbed gas in the Vermejo Formation and Raton Formation of the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Thomas M. Finn, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Michael H. Gardner, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Bakken Formation of northwest Montana, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated means of 220 million barrels of continuous oil and 1 trillion cubic feet of continuous gas in the Bakken Formation of northwest Montana.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Michael H. Gardner, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional gas resources in the Deep Tuscaloosa Group Sandstones of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2021

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 14,785 billion cubic feet of gas resources in the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
Matthew D. Merrill, Catherine B. Enomoto
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of the Montana Thrust Belt Province, 2021

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated means of 783 million barrels of conventional oil and 17,606 billion (17.6 trillion) cubic feet of conventional gas in the Montana Thrust Belt Province.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Michael H. Gardner, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil resources in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota and Montana, 2021

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 4.3 billion barrels of oil and 4.9 trillion cubic feet of gas (associated) in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota and Montana.
Authors
Kristen R. Marra, Tracey J. Mercier, Sarah E. Gelman, Christopher J. Schenk, Cheryl A. Woodall, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Michael H. Gardner, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered gas resources in the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean of 2,438 billion (2.4 trillion) cubic feet of gas resources in the Williston Basin Province, in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the lower Paleozoic of the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 83 million barrels of oil and 351 billion cubic feet of gas in lower Paleozoic strata of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of upper Paleozoic strata in the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean oil and gas resources of 134 million barrels of oil and 81 billion cubic feet of gas in upper Paleozoic strata of the Williston Basin Province in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Pennsylvanian Tyler Formation of the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 161 million barrels of oil and 93 billion cubic feet of gas in the Tyler Formation of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are datasets related to the National Oil and Gas Assessments.  

Aggregated Oil and Natural Gas Drilling History of the United States Web Application

This application provides an overview of oil and gas well history of the United States, from 1880 to September 1, 2022. Well history data is aggregated into 10-mile squares indicating the total number of wells and counts of wells classified as oil, gas, dry, injection, hydraulically fractured, and/or horizontal wells. 

By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Explore US Oil and Gas Assessments

This map shows the provinces assessed by the USGS for undiscovered oil and gas resources. 

By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS Domestic Continuous (Unconventional) Oil & Gas Assessments, 2000-Present

Interactively explore assessment summary information for continuous (unconventional) assessments conducted at the USGS from 2000-2018. The assessment results data used to generate this visualization can be downloaded here in Excel Format.  These data represent all assessment results for Continuous Assessments only from 2000-2018.

By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

USGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

USGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

The USGS has completed an oil and gas estimate for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota.  

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USGS Announces Largest Continuous Oil Assessment in Texas and New Mexico

USGS Announces Largest Continuous Oil Assessment in Texas and New Mexico

Estimates Include 46.3 Billion Barrels of Oil, 281 Trillion Cubic feet of Natural Gas, and 20 Billion Barrels of Natural Gas Liquids in Texas and New...

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USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

The Eagle Ford Group of Texas contains estimated means of 8.5 billion barrels of oil, 66 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 1.9 billion barrels...

Read Article

Below are FAQ associated with this project.

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Drilling Rig

What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table?

Oil and gas estimates always involve some amounts of uncertainty. To account for this, the USGS presents its assessments of oil and gas potential in the form of a range based on how certain we are that this amount of oil and gas exist. The USGS uses a statistically based process (or model) to calculate the likely range of its estimates. The range of values extends from a 5% or greater likelihood...

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What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table?

Oil and gas estimates always involve some amounts of uncertainty. To account for this, the USGS presents its assessments of oil and gas potential in the form of a range based on how certain we are that this amount of oil and gas exist. The USGS uses a statistically based process (or model) to calculate the likely range of its estimates. The range of values extends from a 5% or greater likelihood...

Learn More
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Oil and Gas Wastewater Disposal Facility in West Virginia

What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources?

“Technically recoverable” means that the oil and/or gas can be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. This is regardless of any economic or accessibility considerations. For example, the technology required to produce oil from a location might exist, but it costs more than the oil is worth. The oil is still technically recoverable. Learn more: USGS Energy Assessments

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What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources?

“Technically recoverable” means that the oil and/or gas can be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. This is regardless of any economic or accessibility considerations. For example, the technology required to produce oil from a location might exist, but it costs more than the oil is worth. The oil is still technically recoverable. Learn more: USGS Energy Assessments

Learn More
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Why do the oil and gas resource numbers sometimes change when the USGS releases a new assessment of an oil and gas formation?

Assessments regularly change based on our understanding of geology, as well as advances in technology. As more is learned about the geology of a given formation, both from USGS research and from industry activity, a clearer picture of the potential recoverable oil and gas resources can be created. In some cases, industry activity can show that a rock formation that was previous thought to have...

link

Why do the oil and gas resource numbers sometimes change when the USGS releases a new assessment of an oil and gas formation?

Assessments regularly change based on our understanding of geology, as well as advances in technology. As more is learned about the geology of a given formation, both from USGS research and from industry activity, a clearer picture of the potential recoverable oil and gas resources can be created. In some cases, industry activity can show that a rock formation that was previous thought to have...

Learn More

Below are partners associated with this project.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

USGS Energy Resources Program provides periodic assessments of the oil and natural gas endowment of the United States and the World.  This website provides access to new, prioritized, assessment results and supporting data for the United States, as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).

Assessment Overview

Image shows a map of the assessment units of the 2018 Delaware Basin oil and gas assessment

The USGS assesses potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the United States.  This website highlights conventional and unconventional (continuous) oil and gas assessments.

Summary of Continuous Assessments

Interactive map and chart highlighting USGS Domestic Continuous (Unconventional) Oil & Gas Assessments, 2000-Present

This applications shows maps and tables of all continuous assessments in the United States.

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Recent Assessments

Below are the latest US Assessments:

Browse Assessments

National Oil and Gas Assessment Methodology

The U.S. Geological Survey Energy Resources Program assesses the potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the United States and around the world (click here for information about World Oil and Gas Assessments). Two methodologies are used by the USGS; one for assessing conventional oil and gas resources and one for assessing unconventional (continuous) oil and gas resources (such as shale gas and coalbed gas).  USGS publications detailing and explaining the conventional and continuous assessment methodologies are provided below.  These methodologies have been subjected to rigorous peer reviews by non federal panels, and the two panel reports are provided on this page.

 

Conventional Resources

USGS Reports

U.S. Geological Survey Assessment Concepts for Conventional Petroleum Accumulations
By James W. Schmoker and T.R. Klett

U.S. Geological Survey Input-Data Form and Operational Procedure for the Assessment of Conventional Petroleum Accumulations
By T.R. Klett, James W. Schmoker, and Ronald R. Charpentier

A Monte Carlo Simulation Method for the Assessment of Undiscovered, Conventional Oil and Gas
By Ronald R. Charpentier and T.R. Klett

 

Continuous Resources

USGS Reports

U.S. Geological Survey Assessment Concepts for Continuous Petroleum Accumulations
By James W. Schmoker

U.S. Geological Survey Input-Data Form and Operational Procedure for the Assessment Of Continuous Petroleum Accumulations, 2002
By T.R. Klett and James W. Schmoker

Analytic Resource Assessment Method for Continuous Petroleum Accumulations—The ACCESS Assessment Method
By Robert A. Crovelli

FORSPAN Model Users Guide
By T.R. Klett, and Ronald R. Charpentier
 

Methodology Revisions

Improved USGS methodology for assessing continuous petroleum resources.
Charpentier, R.R., and Cook, T.A.

Applying Probabilistic Well-Performance Parameters to Assessments of Shale-Gas Resources
By Ronald R. Charpentier and Troy Cook

Assembling Probabilistic Performance Parameters of Shale-Gas Wells
By Cook, Troy, and Charpentier, R.R.

USGS Methodology for Assessing Continuous Petroleum Resources
By Ronald R. Charpentier and Troy Cook

New U.S. Geological Survey Method for the Assessment of Reserve Growth
By Timothy R. Klett, Emil D. Attanasi, Ronald R. Charpentier, Troy A. Cook, Philip A. Freeman, Donald L. Gautier, Phuong A. Le, Robert T. Ryder, Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, and Mahendra K. Verma (Reserve Growth Assessment Team)

Variability of Distributions of Well-Scale Estimated Ultimate Recovery for Continuous (Unconventional) Oil and Gas Resources in the United States 
By U.S. Geological Survey Oil and Gas Assessment Team

Peer Review

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Committee on Resource Evaluation (CORE) Subcommittee to review the United States Onshore Continuous (Unconventional) Gas Assessment Methodology Used by the USGS

 

Reserve Growth Methodology

USGS Reports

New U.S. Geological Survey Method for the Assessment of Reserve Growth
By Reserve Growth Assessment Team

Reserve Growth of Oil and Gas Fields - Investigations and Applications
By Troy Cook

Peer Review

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Committee on Resource Evaluation (CORE) Subcommittee to review the Growth-to-Known Reserves

 

Below are a list of recent assessment areas.  You can also use the National Oil and Gas Assessment Map to browse these assessments.

Filter Total Items: 59
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Atigun River in Atigun Gorge - Brooks Range in Alaska

Alaska Petroleum Systems

The Alaska Petroleum Systems project has three main objectives: (A) conduct research that increases our understanding of Alaska petroleum systems, (B) conduct assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources, and (C) deliver energy-resource information to land and resource managers, policy makers, and the public.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Alaska Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Alaska Petroleum Systems

The Alaska Petroleum Systems project has three main objectives: (A) conduct research that increases our understanding of Alaska petroleum systems, (B) conduct assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources, and (C) deliver energy-resource information to land and resource managers, policy makers, and the public.
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Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments Map

Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted numerous assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in the Appalachian Basin, including studies of the Marcellus Shale. The region extends from Alabama to Maine. The following is an overview of the assessments.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Appalachian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted numerous assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in the Appalachian Basin, including studies of the Marcellus Shale. The region extends from Alabama to Maine. The following is an overview of the assessments.
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Province 5044 Permian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

Permian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Permian Basin of western Texas. This inlcudes the following.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Permian Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Permian Basin of western Texas. This inlcudes the following.
Learn More
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Province 5027 Montana Thrust Belt National Oil and Gas Assessments

Montana Thrust Belt Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources of the Montana Thrust Belt Province 5027 of northwestern Montana.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Montana Thrust Belt Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources of the Montana Thrust Belt Province 5027 of northwestern Montana.
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Province 5041 Raton Basin-Sierra Grand Uplift National Oil and Gas Assessments

Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Raton Basin–Sierra Grande Uplift Province 5041 of northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Raton Basin–Sierra Grande Uplift Province 5041 of northeastern New Mexico and southeastern Colorado.
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Province 5037 Southwestern Wyoming National Oil and Gas Assessments

Southwestern Wyoming Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potentional of the Southwestern Wyoming Province 5037 of southwestern Wyoming, northwestern Colorado, and northeastern Utah.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Southwestern Wyoming Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potentional of the Southwestern Wyoming Province 5037 of southwestern Wyoming, northwestern Colorado, and northeastern Utah.
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Province 5033 Powder River Basin National Oil and Gas Assessments

Powder River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Powder River Basin Province 5033.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Powder River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Powder River Basin Province 5033.
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Province 5020 Uinta Piceance National Oil and Gas Assessments

Uinta-Piceance Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted a number of geology-based assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Uinta-Piceance Basin (USGS Province 5020) of western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Recent assessments include.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Uinta-Piceance Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted a number of geology-based assessments of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Uinta-Piceance Basin (USGS Province 5020) of western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Recent assessments include.
Learn More
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Province 5031 Williston Basin

Williston Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of conventional and continuous oil and gas resources of the Devonian Three Forks Formation and Devonian and Mississippian Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin Province 5031 of North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Williston Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of conventional and continuous oil and gas resources of the Devonian Three Forks Formation and Devonian and Mississippian Bakken Formation in the Williston Basin Province 5031 of North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Learn More
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Province 5058 Anadarko Basin National Oil and Gas Assessments

Anadarko Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Anadarko Basin Province 5058.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Anadarko Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Anadarko Basin Province 5058.
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Province 5035 Wind River Basin National Oil and Gas Assessments

Wind River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Wind River Basin Province 5035 in central Wyoming.
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Wind River Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

The U.S. Geological Survey completed the following assessments of undiscovered oil and gas potential of the Wind River Basin Province 5035 in central Wyoming.
Learn More
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Eastern Basins of US Oil and Gas Assessments

Eastern Basins Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Blue Ridge Thrust Belt (5068), Piedmont Province (5069), Atlantic Coastal Plain Province (5070), and the New England Province (5072). These basins are generally east of the Appalachian Basin Province (5067).
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Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center
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Eastern Basins Oil and Gas Assessments

The USGS has conducted several assessments of undiscovered oil and gas in formations in the Blue Ridge Thrust Belt (5068), Piedmont Province (5069), Atlantic Coastal Plain Province (5070), and the New England Province (5072). These basins are generally east of the Appalachian Basin Province (5067).
Learn More

Below are datasets related to the National Oil and Gas Assessments.  

Legacy downloadable data
Filter Total Items: 46

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Southwestern Wyoming Province, Lewis Shale Conventional and Continuous Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in in the Lewis Shale of the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

National and Global Petroleum Assessment—North Chukchi Basin Province: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units, assessment input data, and resulting fact sheet data tables for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the North Chukchi Basin. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The assessment unit is defi
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Raton Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in upper Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the hig
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

New Source Rock Data for the Niobrara and Sage Breaks intervals of the lower Cody Shale in the Wyoming part of the Bighorn Basin

In 2019 the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quantitively assessed the potential for undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous (unconventional) oil and gas resources in the Niobrara interval of the Cody Shale in the Bighorn Basin Province (Finn and others, 2019). Leading up to the assessment, in 2017, the USGS collected samples from the Niobrara and underlying Sage Breaks intervals (Finn, 2019
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

New Source Rock Data for the Lewis Shale from the eastern part of the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado

In 2021 the United States Geological Survey (USGS) sampled the lower part of the Upper Cretaceous Lewis Shale in the eastern part of the Southwestern Wyoming Province to better characterize its petroleum source rock potential for an upcoming resource assessment. Ninety-five samples from 24 wells were collected from well cuttings of the lower part of the Lewis Shale stored at the U.S. Geological Su
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research Project-Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the highe
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

Compilation of total organic carbon and pyrolysis analysis data for Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico

This compilation presents total organic carbon and pyrolysis analysis data for the Pierre Shale, Niobrara Formation, and other Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province. The data was used to characterize these potential source rock intervals in support of the oil and gas resource assessment in the province. The data was compiled from the publicly available files at
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project - Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of coalbed gas resources in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the highe
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Northwest Montana Bakken Formation: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Bakken formation of Northwest Montana. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of the higher-lev
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

Data release for the 3D petroleum systems model of the Williston Basin, USA

This data release contains data associated with the journal article "Modeling the maturation history of the stacked petroleum systems of the Williston Basin, USA". Collectively, the data release includes 13 child items and metadata files that provide detailed descriptions of the attributes, processing steps, and original data sources. There is also a data table, "Williston_Basin_Data_Release_Overv
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

New source rock data for the Mowry and Thermopolis Shales in the Wind River Basin, Wyoming

In 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the potential for undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous (unconventional) oil and gas resources in the Mowry Shale in the Wind River Basin Province (Finn and others, 2021). To better characterize the source rock potential of the Mowry Shale and associated strata, 129 samples were collected from 45 wells from the well cuttings collection
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Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 98

Assessment of conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Lewis Shale in the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado, 2023

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean conventional and continuous resources of 294 million barrels of oil and 11 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Lewis Shale in the Southwestern Wyoming Province, Wyoming and Colorado.
Authors
Jane S. Hearon, Christopher J. Schenk, Thomas M. Finn, Benjamin G. Johnson, Sarah E. Gelman, Jenny H. Lagesse, Cheryl A. Woodall, Tracey J. Mercier, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kira K. Timm, Ronald M. Drake, Andrea D. Cicero, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Michael H. Gardner, Phuong A. Le, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in Upper Cretaceous marine shales of the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated means of 1.04 billion barrels of oil, 3.9 trillion cubic feet of gas, and 11 million barrels of natural gas liquids in Upper Cretaceous marine shales in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province in Colorado and New Mexico.
Authors
Thomas M. Finn, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Michael H. Gardner, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Scott A. Kinney, Jenny H. Lagesse, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean continuous resources of 0.8 billion barrels of oil and 16 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.

Authors
Katherine J. Whidden, Justin E. Birdwell, Rand D. Gardner, Scott A. Kinney, Stanley T. Paxton, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of coalbed gas resources in the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province, Colorado and New Mexico, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean of 5.2 trillion cubic feet of coalbed gas in the Vermejo Formation and Raton Formation of the Raton Basin-Sierra Grande Uplift Province.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Thomas M. Finn, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Michael H. Gardner, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Bakken Formation of northwest Montana, 2022

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated means of 220 million barrels of continuous oil and 1 trillion cubic feet of continuous gas in the Bakken Formation of northwest Montana.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Michael H. Gardner, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional gas resources in the Deep Tuscaloosa Group Sandstones of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2021

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 14,785 billion cubic feet of gas resources in the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
Matthew D. Merrill, Catherine B. Enomoto
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of the Montana Thrust Belt Province, 2021

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated means of 783 million barrels of conventional oil and 17,606 billion (17.6 trillion) cubic feet of conventional gas in the Montana Thrust Belt Province.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Michael H. Gardner, Sarah E. Gelman, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil resources in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota and Montana, 2021

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 4.3 billion barrels of oil and 4.9 trillion cubic feet of gas (associated) in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota and Montana.
Authors
Kristen R. Marra, Tracey J. Mercier, Sarah E. Gelman, Christopher J. Schenk, Cheryl A. Woodall, Andrea D. Cicero, Ronald M. Drake, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Michael H. Gardner, Jane S. Hearon, Benjamin G. Johnson, Jenny H. Lagesse, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kira K. Timm, Scott S. Young
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered gas resources in the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated a mean of 2,438 billion (2.4 trillion) cubic feet of gas resources in the Williston Basin Province, in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the lower Paleozoic of the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 83 million barrels of oil and 351 billion cubic feet of gas in lower Paleozoic strata of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of upper Paleozoic strata in the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean oil and gas resources of 134 million barrels of oil and 81 billion cubic feet of gas in upper Paleozoic strata of the Williston Basin Province in North Dakota, Montana, and South Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Pennsylvanian Tyler Formation of the Williston Basin Province, 2020

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 161 million barrels of oil and 93 billion cubic feet of gas in the Tyler Formation of the Williston Basin Province, North Dakota.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Geoffrey S. Ellis, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are datasets related to the National Oil and Gas Assessments.  

Aggregated Oil and Natural Gas Drilling History of the United States Web Application

This application provides an overview of oil and gas well history of the United States, from 1880 to September 1, 2022. Well history data is aggregated into 10-mile squares indicating the total number of wells and counts of wells classified as oil, gas, dry, injection, hydraulically fractured, and/or horizontal wells. 

By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

Explore US Oil and Gas Assessments

This map shows the provinces assessed by the USGS for undiscovered oil and gas resources. 

By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS Domestic Continuous (Unconventional) Oil & Gas Assessments, 2000-Present

Interactively explore assessment summary information for continuous (unconventional) assessments conducted at the USGS from 2000-2018. The assessment results data used to generate this visualization can be downloaded here in Excel Format.  These data represent all assessment results for Continuous Assessments only from 2000-2018.

By
Energy and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are news stories associated with this project.

USGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

USGS Releases Oil and Gas Assessment for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations of Montana and North Dakota

The USGS has completed an oil and gas estimate for the Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota.  

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USGS Announces Largest Continuous Oil Assessment in Texas and New Mexico

USGS Announces Largest Continuous Oil Assessment in Texas and New Mexico

Estimates Include 46.3 Billion Barrels of Oil, 281 Trillion Cubic feet of Natural Gas, and 20 Billion Barrels of Natural Gas Liquids in Texas and New...

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USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

The Eagle Ford Group of Texas contains estimated means of 8.5 billion barrels of oil, 66 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 1.9 billion barrels...

Read Article

Below are FAQ associated with this project.

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Drilling Rig

What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table?

Oil and gas estimates always involve some amounts of uncertainty. To account for this, the USGS presents its assessments of oil and gas potential in the form of a range based on how certain we are that this amount of oil and gas exist. The USGS uses a statistically based process (or model) to calculate the likely range of its estimates. The range of values extends from a 5% or greater likelihood...

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What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table?

Oil and gas estimates always involve some amounts of uncertainty. To account for this, the USGS presents its assessments of oil and gas potential in the form of a range based on how certain we are that this amount of oil and gas exist. The USGS uses a statistically based process (or model) to calculate the likely range of its estimates. The range of values extends from a 5% or greater likelihood...

Learn More
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Oil and Gas Wastewater Disposal Facility in West Virginia

What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources?

“Technically recoverable” means that the oil and/or gas can be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. This is regardless of any economic or accessibility considerations. For example, the technology required to produce oil from a location might exist, but it costs more than the oil is worth. The oil is still technically recoverable. Learn more: USGS Energy Assessments

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What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources?

“Technically recoverable” means that the oil and/or gas can be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. This is regardless of any economic or accessibility considerations. For example, the technology required to produce oil from a location might exist, but it costs more than the oil is worth. The oil is still technically recoverable. Learn more: USGS Energy Assessments

Learn More
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Why do the oil and gas resource numbers sometimes change when the USGS releases a new assessment of an oil and gas formation?

Assessments regularly change based on our understanding of geology, as well as advances in technology. As more is learned about the geology of a given formation, both from USGS research and from industry activity, a clearer picture of the potential recoverable oil and gas resources can be created. In some cases, industry activity can show that a rock formation that was previous thought to have...

link

Why do the oil and gas resource numbers sometimes change when the USGS releases a new assessment of an oil and gas formation?

Assessments regularly change based on our understanding of geology, as well as advances in technology. As more is learned about the geology of a given formation, both from USGS research and from industry activity, a clearer picture of the potential recoverable oil and gas resources can be created. In some cases, industry activity can show that a rock formation that was previous thought to have...

Learn More

Below are partners associated with this project.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

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