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World Oil and Gas Resource Assessments

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By Central Energy Resources Science Center January 1, 2024

Explore Unconventional/Continuous Oil and Gas Assessments

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The USGS World Energy Project conducts geologic studies that provide an understanding of the quantity, quality, and geologic distribution of world oil and gas resources. Our geologic studies are conducted in an impartial manner and are performed in collaboration and partnership with energy experts within and outside government. Through synthesis and improved understanding of global oil and gas data, we shall establish a geologic basis for predicting energy production trends, we shall discuss logical implications and consequences of energy occurrence for public policy, and we shall provide for the education of society about energy issues.

 

Assessment Overview

Aerial image of an oil spill, Medicine Lake NWR wetlands

The USGS assesses potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the World.  This website highlights conventional and unconventional (continuous) oil and gas resources (such as shale gas) for more than 170 basins.

Conventional Oil and Gas Assessments

Image for the World Oil and Gas Conventional Assessments

In 2012, the USGS completed a comprehensive assessment of priority basins throughout the world.  This map lists publications for each of these basins.  

Explore Conventional

Recent Publications

Below is a list of the latest World Oil and Gas Assessment Publications

Browse Assessments

Looking for United States assessments?

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 21
No Result Found

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 150

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of the Grand Erg/Ahnet Province, Algeria, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 378 million barrels of oil and 7 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Grand Erg/Ahnet Province of Algeria.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Janet K. Pitman, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Beetaloo Basin, Australia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 429 million barrels of continuous oil and 8 trillion cubic feet of continuous gas in the Beetaloo Basin of northern Australia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Kristen R. Marra, Michael E. Brownfield, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of tight-oil and tight-gas resources in the Junggar and Santanghu Basins of Northwestern China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 241 million barrels of tight oil and 10.1 trillion cubic feet of tight gas in the Junggar and Santanghu Basins of northwestern China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Janet K. Pitman
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of Paleozoic Shale-Oil and Shale-Gas Resources in the Tarim Basin of China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.4 billion barrels of shale oil and 26.9 trillion cubic feet of shale gas in Paleozoic formations in the Tarim Basin of China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Janet K. Pitman
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources of the Reggane Basin Province, Algeria, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.3 billion barrels of oil and 63 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Reggane Basin Province of Algeria.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Michael E. Brownfield, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Janet K. Pitman, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of Mesozoic tight-oil and tight-gas resources in the Sichuan Basin of China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.2 billion barrels of tight oil and 29.1 trillion cubic feet of tight gas in Mesozoic formations in the Sichuan Basin of China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Janet K. Pitman
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Tindouf Basin Province, North Africa, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 2.6 billion barrels of oil and 123.9 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Tindouf Basin Province of North Africa.
Authors
Michael E. Brownfield, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Janet K. Pitman, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Duvernay Formation, Alberta Basin Province, Canada, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.3 billion barrels of oil and 22.2 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Duvernay Formation of the Alberta Basin Province, Canada.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous gas resources in the Montney and Doig Formations, Alberta Basin Province, Canada, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 47.6 trillion cubic feet of gas and 2.2 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in the Montney and Doig Formations of the Alberta Basin Province in Canada.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of coalbed gas resources in the Kutei and Barito Basin Provinces, Indonesia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 10.7 trillion cubic feet of potential coalbed gas resources in the Kutei and Barito Basin Provinces of Indonesia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Janet K. Pitman, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources of the Putumayo-Oriente-Marañón Basin Province of Colombia, Ecuador, and Perú, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 793 billion cubic feet of gas in the Putumayo-Oriente-Marañón Basin Province of Colombia, Ecuador, and Perú.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Akita Basin Province, Japan, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 111 million barrels of oil and 85 billion cubic feet of gas in the Akita Basin Province of Japan.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are FAQ associated with this project.

The USGS World Energy Project conducts geologic studies that provide an understanding of the quantity, quality, and geologic distribution of world oil and gas resources. Our geologic studies are conducted in an impartial manner and are performed in collaboration and partnership with energy experts within and outside government. Through synthesis and improved understanding of global oil and gas data, we shall establish a geologic basis for predicting energy production trends, we shall discuss logical implications and consequences of energy occurrence for public policy, and we shall provide for the education of society about energy issues.

 

Assessment Overview

Aerial image of an oil spill, Medicine Lake NWR wetlands

The USGS assesses potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the World.  This website highlights conventional and unconventional (continuous) oil and gas resources (such as shale gas) for more than 170 basins.

Conventional Oil and Gas Assessments

Image for the World Oil and Gas Conventional Assessments

In 2012, the USGS completed a comprehensive assessment of priority basins throughout the world.  This map lists publications for each of these basins.  

Explore Conventional

Recent Publications

Below is a list of the latest World Oil and Gas Assessment Publications

Browse Assessments

Looking for United States assessments?

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Below are data or web applications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 21
No Result Found

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 150

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources of the Grand Erg/Ahnet Province, Algeria, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 378 million barrels of oil and 7 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Grand Erg/Ahnet Province of Algeria.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Janet K. Pitman, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Beetaloo Basin, Australia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 429 million barrels of continuous oil and 8 trillion cubic feet of continuous gas in the Beetaloo Basin of northern Australia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Kristen R. Marra, Michael E. Brownfield, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of tight-oil and tight-gas resources in the Junggar and Santanghu Basins of Northwestern China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 241 million barrels of tight oil and 10.1 trillion cubic feet of tight gas in the Junggar and Santanghu Basins of northwestern China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Janet K. Pitman
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of Paleozoic Shale-Oil and Shale-Gas Resources in the Tarim Basin of China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.4 billion barrels of shale oil and 26.9 trillion cubic feet of shale gas in Paleozoic formations in the Tarim Basin of China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Janet K. Pitman
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources of the Reggane Basin Province, Algeria, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.3 billion barrels of oil and 63 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Reggane Basin Province of Algeria.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Michael E. Brownfield, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Janet K. Pitman, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of Mesozoic tight-oil and tight-gas resources in the Sichuan Basin of China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.2 billion barrels of tight oil and 29.1 trillion cubic feet of tight gas in Mesozoic formations in the Sichuan Basin of China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Ronald M. Drake, Michael E. Brownfield, Janet K. Pitman
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Tindouf Basin Province, North Africa, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 2.6 billion barrels of oil and 123.9 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Tindouf Basin Province of North Africa.
Authors
Michael E. Brownfield, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Janet K. Pitman, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources in the Duvernay Formation, Alberta Basin Province, Canada, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.3 billion barrels of oil and 22.2 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Duvernay Formation of the Alberta Basin Province, Canada.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous gas resources in the Montney and Doig Formations, Alberta Basin Province, Canada, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 47.6 trillion cubic feet of gas and 2.2 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in the Montney and Doig Formations of the Alberta Basin Province in Canada.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of coalbed gas resources in the Kutei and Barito Basin Provinces, Indonesia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 10.7 trillion cubic feet of potential coalbed gas resources in the Kutei and Barito Basin Provinces of Indonesia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Thomas M. Finn, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Janet K. Pitman, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous oil and gas resources of the Putumayo-Oriente-Marañón Basin Province of Colombia, Ecuador, and Perú, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 793 billion cubic feet of gas in the Putumayo-Oriente-Marañón Basin Province of Colombia, Ecuador, and Perú.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Akita Basin Province, Japan, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 111 million barrels of oil and 85 billion cubic feet of gas in the Akita Basin Province of Japan.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Kristen R. Marra, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Below are FAQ associated with this project.

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