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World Oil and Gas Resource Assessments

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By Central Energy Resources Science Center January 1, 2024

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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 continuous oil and gas resources of the Timan-Pechora Basin Province, Russia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 46 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Timan-Pechora Basin Province of Russia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake, Timothy R. Klett
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous gas resources of the North Caspian Basin Province, Kazakhstan and Russia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 84.5 trillion cubic feet of continuous gas in the North Caspian Basin Province of Kazakhstan and Russia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Thomas M. Finn, 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 undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Midlands area, England, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable resources of 319 million barrels of oil and 8.3 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Midlands area of England.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil resources of the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean conventional resources of 187 million barrels of oil and 85 billion cubic feet of gas in the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil resources of the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean continuous resources of 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 674 billion cubic feet of associated gas in the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Paleozoic shale gas resources in the Sichuan Basin, China

The Sichuan Basin, China, is commonly considered to contain the world’s most abundant shale gas resources. Although its Paleozoic marine shales share many basic characteristics with successful United States gas shales, numerous geologic uncertainties exist, and Sichuan Basin shale gas production is nascent. Gas retention was likely compromised by the age of the shale reservoirs, multiple uplifts a
Authors
Christopher J. Potter
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Canning Basin Province, Australia, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable resources of 1.3 billion barrels of oil and 34.4 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Canning Basin Province of Australia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources of Upper Cretaceous Shales in the Songliao Basin of China, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable resources of 3.3 billion barrels of oil and 887 billion cubic feet of gas in shale reservoirs of the Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou and Nenjiang Formations in the Songliao Basin of northeastern China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Janet K. Pitman, Timothy R. Klett, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Thomas M. Finn, Michael E. Brownfield, Tracey J. Mercier, Kristen R. Marra, Cheryl A. Woodall
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Domanik-type formations of the Volga-Ural Region Province, Russia, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous resources of 2.8 billion barrels of oil and 34 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Domanik-type formations of the Volga-Ural Region Province, Russia.
Authors
Timothy R. Klett, Michael E. Brownfield, Thomas M. Finn, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Cheryl A. Woodall
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Hanoi Trough, Vietnam, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous resources of 52 million barrels of oil and 591 billion cubic feet of gas in the Hanoi Trough of Vietnam.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Timothy R. Klett, Thomas M. Finn, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Bohaiwan Basin Province, China, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous resources of 2.0 billion barrels of oil and 20.3 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Bohaiwan Basin Province, China.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Michael E. Brownfield, Phuong A. Le, Timothy R. Klett, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Christopher J. Potter
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

The 2008 Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal

Professional Paper 1824 comprises 30 chapters by various U.S. Geological Survey authors, including introduction and methodology chapters, which together provide documentation of the geological basis and methodology of the 2008 Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal, results of which were first released in August 2008.  Twenty-eight chapters summarize the petroleum geology and resource potential of indiv
By
Energy Resources Program

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 continuous oil and gas resources of the Timan-Pechora Basin Province, Russia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 1.4 billion barrels of oil and 46 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Timan-Pechora Basin Province of Russia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Phuong A. Le, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Ronald M. Drake, Timothy R. Klett
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of continuous gas resources of the North Caspian Basin Province, Kazakhstan and Russia, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 84.5 trillion cubic feet of continuous gas in the North Caspian Basin Province of Kazakhstan and Russia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Thomas M. Finn, 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 undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Midlands area, England, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable resources of 319 million barrels of oil and 8.3 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Midlands area of England.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil resources of the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean conventional resources of 187 million barrels of oil and 85 billion cubic feet of gas in the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil resources of the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China, 2018

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean continuous resources of 1.1 billion barrels of oil and 674 billion cubic feet of associated gas in the East Gobi, Nyalga, Tamtsag-Hailar, Erlian, and Yingen basins of Mongolia and China.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Thomas M. Finn, Cheryl A. Woodall, Kristen R. Marra, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Paleozoic shale gas resources in the Sichuan Basin, China

The Sichuan Basin, China, is commonly considered to contain the world’s most abundant shale gas resources. Although its Paleozoic marine shales share many basic characteristics with successful United States gas shales, numerous geologic uncertainties exist, and Sichuan Basin shale gas production is nascent. Gas retention was likely compromised by the age of the shale reservoirs, multiple uplifts a
Authors
Christopher J. Potter
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Canning Basin Province, Australia, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable resources of 1.3 billion barrels of oil and 34.4 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Canning Basin Province of Australia.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Phuong A. Le, Michael E. Brownfield, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources of Upper Cretaceous Shales in the Songliao Basin of China, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable resources of 3.3 billion barrels of oil and 887 billion cubic feet of gas in shale reservoirs of the Upper Cretaceous Qingshankou and Nenjiang Formations in the Songliao Basin of northeastern China.
Authors
Christopher J. Potter, Christopher J. Schenk, Janet K. Pitman, Timothy R. Klett, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Thomas M. Finn, Michael E. Brownfield, Tracey J. Mercier, Kristen R. Marra, Cheryl A. Woodall
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Domanik-type formations of the Volga-Ural Region Province, Russia, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous resources of 2.8 billion barrels of oil and 34 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Domanik-type formations of the Volga-Ural Region Province, Russia.
Authors
Timothy R. Klett, Michael E. Brownfield, Thomas M. Finn, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Kristen R. Marra, Tracey J. Mercier, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Cheryl A. Woodall
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Hanoi Trough, Vietnam, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous resources of 52 million barrels of oil and 591 billion cubic feet of gas in the Hanoi Trough of Vietnam.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Phuong A. Le, Timothy R. Klett, Thomas M. Finn, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Bohaiwan Basin Province, China, 2017

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered, technically recoverable continuous resources of 2.0 billion barrels of oil and 20.3 trillion cubic feet of gas in the Bohaiwan Basin Province, China.
Authors
Christopher J. Schenk, Marilyn E. Tennyson, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Thomas M. Finn, Michael E. Brownfield, Phuong A. Le, Timothy R. Klett, Stephanie B. Gaswirth, Kristen R. Marra, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller, Christopher J. Potter
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

The 2008 Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal

Professional Paper 1824 comprises 30 chapters by various U.S. Geological Survey authors, including introduction and methodology chapters, which together provide documentation of the geological basis and methodology of the 2008 Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal, results of which were first released in August 2008.  Twenty-eight chapters summarize the petroleum geology and resource potential of indiv
By
Energy Resources Program

Below are FAQ associated with this project.

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