ABSTRACT
During 1981, 7,254 wells were drilled in eastern New Mexico and west Texas, 16.1% more than 1980. The success rate for all wells was 81.6%, up 0.6% from 1980. The number of exploratory wells drilled was 11.9% higher than 1980, and the total exploratory footage drilled was up 16.7%. The exploratory success rate decreased from 31.8 to 31.2%. Seismic activity decreased 7.9% from 1980, reversing a trend. On the basis of seismic activity, usually a reliable indicator of trends in exploratory drilling, a decrease in wildcat drilling is predicted for 1982 and 1983. During 1981, 17% more development wells were drilled, and development footage reached a record mark of 33,808,218 ft, an increase of 11.9%. Development success rate increased slightly by 0.4%, to 91.6%. Oil production for 1981 was 578,732,077 bbl, down 5.4% from 1980, and gas production was 2,436,104,631 mcf, down 5.0% from 1980. Leasing activity was aggressive in 1981 with increased bonus paid at the University of Texas land sales and at the New Mexico State land sales.
