Developments [oil and gas] in west Texas and southeastern New Mexico in 1947

During 1947, 2854 wells were drilled in the West Texas-Southeastern New Mexico area, an increase of 28.6 per cent over 1946. Exploratory wells totaled 384, of which 117 were oil wells and 6 were gas wells, a success of 32.0 per cent. Thirty-six new fields and 25 new pools were discovered. The deepest discovery was Slick and Urschel's Alford No. 1, completed at the total depth of 12,022 feet in the Ellenburger dolomite (Ordovician), as the deepest oil producer in the district, and a discovery of major importance in the south part of the Midland basin. A wildcat of exceptional geologic significance was Argo's Roberts No. 1, in the Delaware basin, which drilled about 12,000 feet of Permian, ending in Strawn (Pennsylvanian) at 14,073 feet, and completed as a small producer from the Wolfcamp (lower Permian?). Twelve other important pool discoveries were made. Six new Ellenburger dolomite pools were found: University Waddell Ellenburger, Crane County; Jordan Ellenburger, Goldsmith Ellenburger, Yarborough-Allen, and a 2-mile Andector Ellenburger extension or new field, Ector County; Midway Lane Ellenburger, Crockett County; and Dollarhide Ellenburger, Andrews County. An exceptional thickness of Simpson producing sand was opened in the Hare pool, Lea County, and adjacent to it Silurian cherty limestone was found productive in the McCormick pool. Productive Silurian beds were opened in the Dollarhide Silurian pool, Andrews County. Productive Devonian limestone of major significance was discovered in the Shafter Lake Devonian pool, Andrews County. Scattered wells in northwestern Ector County indicate a large Clear Fork (Permian) producing area. These discoveries were made largely by deeper drilling on known Permian structures, and by seismograph and subsurface geology. Intensive geophysical activity continues, seismograph predominating. Several surface parties are mapping outlying areas of the district. Core drilling for structure continues in many areas.