Developments in Southeastern United States in 1942

At the beginning of 1942 geophysical exploration, leasing, and wildcat drilling continued in the southeastern United States at about the same pace as in the preceding year. Activity was stimulated at the close of the year as a new prospective oil-producing zone, the Massive sand of the basal Tuscaloosa formation, was discovered in widely separated areas of south Mississippi. The showing of oil in this new sand, although not having been evaluated at the close of 1942, held much promise for a rejuvenated geophysical leasing and drilling campaign for 1943, especially in the south Mississippi area. The prospects for production in this sand gave the state added importance as a future oil-reserve area. Approximately all of the state south of the east-west line through Jackson may be classed as favorable for production from the Massive sand. Tinsley continued to be the main source of production. Since its discovery in August, 1939, the state as a whole had accumulated production of 48,575,803 barrels, of which 47,632,294 barrels were from Tinsley. The major oil companies continued geophysical exploration on a large scale in south Alabama, working areas previously under lease. Drilling activity was limited to the completion of six dry holes. Drilling activity in Florida and Georgia was limited to two wells each. Florida showed much promise for future wildcat drilling, in that more than 700,000 acres of new leases were acquired by major oil companies during the year.