World Oil and Gas Resource Assessments
Explore Unconventional/Continuous Oil and Gas Assessments
The USGS World Energy Project conducts geologic studies that provide an understanding of the quantity, quality, and geologic distribution of world oil and gas resources. Our geologic studies are conducted in an impartial manner and are performed in collaboration and partnership with energy experts within and outside government. Through synthesis and improved understanding of global oil and gas data, we shall establish a geologic basis for predicting energy production trends, we shall discuss logical implications and consequences of energy occurrence for public policy, and we shall provide for the education of society about energy issues.
Assessment Overview
The USGS assesses potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the World. This website highlights conventional and unconventional (continuous) oil and gas resources (such as shale gas) for more than 170 basins.
Conventional Oil and Gas Assessments
In 2012, the USGS completed a comprehensive assessment of priority basins throughout the world. This map lists publications for each of these basins.
Recent Publications
Below is a list of the latest World Oil and Gas Assessment Publications
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
United States Assessments of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources
World Geologic Maps
Below are FAQ associated with this project.
What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources? What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources?
“Technically recoverable” means that the oil and/or gas can be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. This is regardless of any economic or accessibility considerations. For example, the technology required to produce oil from a location might exist, but it costs more than the oil is worth. The oil is still technically recoverable. Learn more: USGS Energy Assessments
What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table? What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table?
Oil and gas estimates always involve some amounts of uncertainty. To account for this, the USGS presents its assessments of oil and gas potential in the form of a range based on how certain we are that this amount of oil and gas exist. The USGS uses a statistically based process (or model) to calculate the likely range of its estimates. The range of values extends from a 5% or greater likelihood...
The USGS World Energy Project conducts geologic studies that provide an understanding of the quantity, quality, and geologic distribution of world oil and gas resources. Our geologic studies are conducted in an impartial manner and are performed in collaboration and partnership with energy experts within and outside government. Through synthesis and improved understanding of global oil and gas data, we shall establish a geologic basis for predicting energy production trends, we shall discuss logical implications and consequences of energy occurrence for public policy, and we shall provide for the education of society about energy issues.
Assessment Overview
The USGS assesses potential for undiscovered oil and gas resources in priority geologic provinces in the World. This website highlights conventional and unconventional (continuous) oil and gas resources (such as shale gas) for more than 170 basins.
Conventional Oil and Gas Assessments
In 2012, the USGS completed a comprehensive assessment of priority basins throughout the world. This map lists publications for each of these basins.
Recent Publications
Below is a list of the latest World Oil and Gas Assessment Publications
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
United States Assessments of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources
World Geologic Maps
Below are FAQ associated with this project.
What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources? What are "technically recoverable" oil and gas resources?
“Technically recoverable” means that the oil and/or gas can be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. This is regardless of any economic or accessibility considerations. For example, the technology required to produce oil from a location might exist, but it costs more than the oil is worth. The oil is still technically recoverable. Learn more: USGS Energy Assessments
What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table? What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table?
Oil and gas estimates always involve some amounts of uncertainty. To account for this, the USGS presents its assessments of oil and gas potential in the form of a range based on how certain we are that this amount of oil and gas exist. The USGS uses a statistically based process (or model) to calculate the likely range of its estimates. The range of values extends from a 5% or greater likelihood...