Drilling For Oil
You now have an idea of what
general rock characteristics a geologist is looking for to discover
a new oil field. Not only does the sedimentary rock need good
porosity and permeability, but the hydrocarbons must be "trapped"
in a relatively small area.
Once the geologist has determined
that these conditions may occur in the subsurface, a location
to drill a well is selected. An oil and gas lease must be acquired
by a landman from the mineral owner prior to any drilling. The
term of the lease is for a set number of years. In order to reach
suitable drilling site, the drilling equipment must be hauled
across land usually owned by a private party such as a farmer
or the government. Financial arrangements are usually made with
the surface owner for access across his property. The surface
owner is usually compensated for the use of his acreage while
drilling is a progress. If the well is a producer, the oil company
may need access to his land for many years.
Once all legal requiremtnts have
bee accomplished, exploratory drilling may begin.
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