Abstract
Drilling activity in the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas increased slightly in comparison with 1972. A total of 832 wells was drilled onshore, marking a 2% increase from the 1972 total. Exploration success was also higher in 1973, with 29% of all wildcats being productive, compared with 27% in the previous year. Most of the significant discoveries were made in the prolific Frio trend. Seismic activity more than doubled from 1972. Offshore Texas experienced a rise in exploration activity, with the main objectives being the thick Miocene and Pleistocene sections. Seismic activity offshore nearly tripled from the previous year. The June 19 Federal Lease Sale was dominated by an assortment of combines and brought $1.5 billion in high bids from a total exposure of more than $6.1 billion.
