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Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research Project

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By Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center September 12, 2023

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

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Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

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The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project assesses and characterizes undiscovered, technically recoverable domestic petroleum resources. It focuses on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast basin. The primary goal of this project is to meet the needs of Congress and other stakeholders for timely and robust assessments of petroleum resources in the Gulf Coast region. The Gulf Coast GEAR project also conducts associated research on the processes that impact the formation, accumulation, occurrence, and alteration of hydrocarbon energy resources.

USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database

USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database Viewer

The USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database (GCSRD) is an online repository for all publicly available source rock data (outcrop and subsurface) from the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas.

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Featured Products

The Gulf Coast GEAR project is part of the USGS Energy Resources Program with staff in Reston, Virginia at the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center and the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center; Denver, Colorado at the Central Energy Resources Science Center; and Anchorage, Alaska at the Alaska Science Center.

An image of USGS research drilling rig on side of U.S. Route 90 in Kinney County, Texas. The sky is streaked with clouds.

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
Learn More
Extent of Gulf Coast Petroleum System Project and Oil and Gas Wells

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Buda Limestone of Texas: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Buda Limestone of Texas: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Buda limestone reservoir of Texas. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment (NAGA) Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The assessment unit is...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations Conventional and Continuous Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations Conventional and Continuous Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units, assessment input data, and resulting fact sheet data tables for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast Region. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Mesozoic Province, Lower Cretaceous Travis Peak and Hosston Formations: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Mesozoic Province, Lower Cretaceous Travis Peak and Hosston Formations: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations, U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Norphlet Formation: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Norphlet Formation: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units, assessment input data, and resulting fact sheet data tables for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Norphlet Formation of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast Region. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project for the...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Delta log R total organic carbon estimates for the Tuscaloosa marine shale, U.S.A. Delta log R total organic carbon estimates for the Tuscaloosa marine shale, U.S.A.

This dataset contains estimated total organic carbon (TOC) calculated using the delta log R (dlogR) method, developed by Passey and others (1990), within BasinMod modeling software for the Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS) in southwestern Mississippi, U.S.A. BasinMod is a modeling software developed by Platte River Associates, Inc. Using version 2021-03-03 of the software, sonic and...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context...
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research Project-Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research Project-Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of...
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

United States Gulf Coast Basin Curated Wells and Logs Database (ver. 4.0, September 2025) United States Gulf Coast Basin Curated Wells and Logs Database (ver. 4.0, September 2025)

The United States (US) Gulf Coast Basin Curated Wells and Logs Database (CWLDB) is an online repository with stratigraphic information for petroleum wells in the United States portion of the onshore US Gulf Coast Basin that provides several of the following attributes: a) deep penetrations (generally, total depth of 10,000 feet or more), b) high quality and diverse geophysical well log...
By
Energy Resources Program, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-U.S. Gulf Coast, Deep Tuscaloosa Conventional Gas: Assessment Unit Boundary, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-U.S. Gulf Coast, Deep Tuscaloosa Conventional Gas: Assessment Unit Boundary, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered Deep Tuscaloosa Group sandstones conventional gas resources in the U.S. Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Mississippi. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Wireline geophysical logging curves and infrared spectral data for the USGS Gulf Coast #1 West Woodway research wellbore, McLennan County, Texas Wireline geophysical logging curves and infrared spectral data for the USGS Gulf Coast #1 West Woodway research wellbore, McLennan County, Texas

As part of a broader research program to examine domestic source rock reservoirs, the Gulf Coast Petroleum Systems project of the USGS Energy Resources Program drilled a research borehole into Late Cretaceous mudstones in McLennan County, Texas, including the Cenomanian-Turonian Eagle Ford Group. A comprehensive wireline geophysical logging suite and over 600 ft of continuous core were...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Apatite and zircon U/Pb and fission track geochronologic and thermochronologic data along the Fall Line of the southeastern United States Apatite and zircon U/Pb and fission track geochronologic and thermochronologic data along the Fall Line of the southeastern United States

This data release contains apatite and zircon U/Pb and fission track data for six samples collected along the Fall Line of the southeastern United States, from Virginia to the Georgia-South Carolina border. The data resolve phases of rapid exhumational cooling in the Permo-Triassic, additional cooling in the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous and slower cooling since the middle of the Cretaceous...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

U-Pb ages of detrital zircons in Paleogene strata of the Gulf Coast U-Pb ages of detrital zircons in Paleogene strata of the Gulf Coast

This data release contains 60 detrital zircon age spectra, based on U and Pb isotope ratio measurements for 9399 single grains. The samples are from Paleogene strata of the U.S. Gulf Coast. Of the 9399 single grain measurements, we recommend that 8640 yield ages that are suitable for construction of detrital zircon age spectra. Comments tagged to individual grains explain the reasoning...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Filter Total Items: 122

Spatio-temporal modeling for assessing geoenergy resources: A workflow applied to gas in place variation in coal beds Spatio-temporal modeling for assessing geoenergy resources: A workflow applied to gas in place variation in coal beds

The ability to estimate spatio-temporal changes in hydrocarbon reservoir properties and energy resources within pore volumes is essential for optimizing production, reservoir management, geologic energy storage, and safety in underground mining operations. In coal seams, predicting remaining methane gas-in-place (GIP) is critical for quantifying producible gas and improving mine safety...
Authors
Oktay Erten, C. Özgen Karacan, Clayton V. Deutsch
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Background and geologic model for the 2024 U.S. Geological Survey assessment of undiscovered conventional petroleum resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast Background and geologic model for the 2024 U.S. Geological Survey assessment of undiscovered conventional petroleum resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast

The Upper Jurassic Norphlet Formation is a stratigraphic unit located in the subsurface of the United States Gulf coastal plain and offshore Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). The Norphlet consists of clastic sediments derived from the southern Appalachian highlands, and was deposited in a continental dryland setting on the margins of the early Gulf of America rift basin. The formation...
Authors
John W. Counts
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Buda Limestone of Texas, 2025 Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Buda Limestone of Texas, 2025

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean conventional resources of 12 million barrels of oil and 184 billion cubic feet of gas in the Buda Limestone of Texas.
Authors
Celeste D. Lohr, Colin A. Doolan, Matthew D. Merrill, William H. Craddock, Rand Gardner, Christopher P. Anderson, Phuong A. Le, Tracey J. Mercier, Christopher J. Schenk
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Rare earth element potential in coal and coal ash in the U.S. Gulf Coast Rare earth element potential in coal and coal ash in the U.S. Gulf Coast

United States heavy reliance on imports of critical minerals (CMs), including rare earth elements (REEs), underscores the importance of development of domestic sources. The study objective was to quantify CM and REE concentrations in coal and coal ash in the US Gulf Coast region. CM and REE concentrations were measured for 118 samples from outcrops and 14 mines in the Gulf Coast. Results...
Authors
Bridget R. Scanlon, Robert C. Reedy, Brent A. Elliott, James C. Hower, J. Richard Kyle, Marek Locmelis, Nolan Theaker, Peter D. Warwick
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Gulf Coast Basin CORE-CM initiative final report Gulf Coast Basin CORE-CM initiative final report

The Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-BEG) is leading the Gulf Coast Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative to assess the potential to produce critical minerals (CMs), including rare earth elements (REEs) from coal, coal ash, and produced water related to oil and gas production, and related materials (alumina processing waste...
Authors
Bridget R. Scanlon, Brent A. Elliott, J. Richard Kyle, Robert C. Reedy, Shelby R. Short, Nolan Theaker, Peter D. Warwick, Victoria G. Stengel, James C. Hower, Davin A. Bagdonas, Dennis R. James, Sandy M. Ebersole, Elizabeth M. Bollen, Dane VanDervoort
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Regional characterization of coal resources in the U.S. Gulf Coast Regional characterization of coal resources in the U.S. Gulf Coast

There is increasing interest in extracting critical minerals (CM), including rare earth elements (REE), from coals in the United States to address the overreliance on imported REE. The U.S. Gulf Coast and the Williston basins are the two major lignite-bearing basins within the country. Recent REE and CM studies of the lignite in these basins have indicated that the coals may be a viable...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, Robert C. Reedy, Bridget R. Scanlon
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations, U.S. Gulf Coast, 2024 Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations, U.S. Gulf Coast, 2024

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 28 million barrels of oil and 35.8 trillion cubic feet of gas in conventional and continuous accumulations within the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
Lauri A. Burke, Stanley T. Paxton, Scott A. Kinney, Nicholas J. Gianoutsos, Russell F. Dubiel, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023 Assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 5 million barrels of oil and 25 billion cubic feet of gas in conventional reservoirs and 361 million barrels of oil and 10,978 billion cubic feet of gas in continuous reservoirs in the Western Gulf Basin Province of the U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
William H. Craddock, John W. Counts, Colin A. Doolan, Marc L. Buursink, Celeste D. Lohr, Javin J. Hatcherian, Katherine L. French, Jared T. Gooley, Phuong A. Le, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Christopher J. Schenk
By
Energy Resources Program, Alaska Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

AAPG Energy and Minerals Division Tight Oil and Gas Committee Activities and Commodity Report for 2021-2022: Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, Gulf Coast basin, Louisiana and Mississippi AAPG Energy and Minerals Division Tight Oil and Gas Committee Activities and Commodity Report for 2021-2022: Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, Gulf Coast basin, Louisiana and Mississippi

The Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS) potential production area encompasses 20.4 million acres across central Louisiana (LA), southern Mississippi (MS), southwestern Alabama (AL), and a small southwestern section of the Florida panhandle (Hackley et al., 2018). It remains a minor and largely undeveloped unconventional shale oil play with production from the TMS confined...
Authors
Celeste D. Lohr
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023 Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 16 million barrels of oil and 348 billion cubic feet of gas in conventional reservoirs of the Norphlet Formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
John W. Counts, William H. Craddock, Jared T. Gooley, Marc L. Buursink, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Christopher J. Schenk
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Comparison of measured versus modeled TOC in the Tuscaloosa marine shale of Southwestern Mississippi, U.S.A. Comparison of measured versus modeled TOC in the Tuscaloosa marine shale of Southwestern Mississippi, U.S.A.

This study presents a comparison of measured versus modeled total organic carbon (TOC) in the Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS) of southwestern Mississippi as a case study to evaluate the effects of mineralogy on the TOC estimated from the ΔlogR method. The ΔlogR method is utilized to calculate TOC, which involves baselining sonic transit time and resistivity log curves in a...
Authors
Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew D. Merrill
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Spatial distribution of API gravity and gas/oil ratios for petroleum accumulations in Upper Cretaceous strata of the San Miguel, Olmos, and Escondido Formations of the south Texas Maverick Basin—Implications for petroleum migration and charge history Spatial distribution of API gravity and gas/oil ratios for petroleum accumulations in Upper Cretaceous strata of the San Miguel, Olmos, and Escondido Formations of the south Texas Maverick Basin—Implications for petroleum migration and charge history

The Maverick Basin of south Texas is currently undergoing active exploration and production of gas and oil from tight sandstone reservoirs. The most productive tight sandstones in the basin are in the Upper Cretaceous San Miguel, Olmos, and Escondido Formations. These units are second only to the Eagle Ford Shale in terms of cumulative production volumes. The structural history of the...
Authors
Colin A. Doolan, William H. Craddock, Marc L. Buursink, Javin J. Hatcherian, Steven M. Cahan
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database (GCSRD) USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database (GCSRD)

The database is designed to be a convenient resource for any member of the public to easily access source rock data from across the Gulf Coast region, circumventing the need for extensive, time-consuming literature searches.
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation

USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered gas and oil in the Haynesville Formation underlying the...

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USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Hosston and Travis Peak formations along the Gulf Coast

USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Hosston and Travis Peak formations along the Gulf Coast

RESTON, VA. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered oil and gas in two formations under much of the Gulf of...

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USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in Texas' Maverick Basin

USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in Texas' Maverick Basin

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered oil and gas in formations of the Maverick Basin...

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USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

The Eagle Ford Group of Texas contains estimated means of 8.5 billion barrels of oil, 66 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 1.9 billion barrels...

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USGS Estimates 304 Trillion Cubic Feet of Natural Gas in the Bossier and Haynesville Formations of the U.S. Gulf Coast

USGS Estimates 304 Trillion Cubic Feet of Natural Gas in the Bossier and Haynesville Formations of the U.S. Gulf Coast

USGS also estimates 4 billion barrels of oil and 2 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in the two formations.

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The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project assesses and characterizes undiscovered, technically recoverable domestic petroleum resources. It focuses on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast basin. The primary goal of this project is to meet the needs of Congress and other stakeholders for timely and robust assessments of petroleum resources in the Gulf Coast region. The Gulf Coast GEAR project also conducts associated research on the processes that impact the formation, accumulation, occurrence, and alteration of hydrocarbon energy resources.

USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database

USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database Viewer

The USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database (GCSRD) is an online repository for all publicly available source rock data (outcrop and subsurface) from the states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas.

Launch Viewer

Featured Products

The Gulf Coast GEAR project is part of the USGS Energy Resources Program with staff in Reston, Virginia at the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center and the Florence Bascom Geoscience Center; Denver, Colorado at the Central Energy Resources Science Center; and Anchorage, Alaska at the Alaska Science Center.

An image of USGS research drilling rig on side of U.S. Route 90 in Kinney County, Texas. The sky is streaked with clouds.

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Research

The Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project also conducts research on the properties and processes relevant to the Gulf Coast Jurassic-Cretaceous-Tertiary composite total petroleum system (TPS). This research aims to improve ongoing and future undiscovered, technically recoverable hydrocarbon resources assessments on the onshore and State waters portion of the Gulf Coast...
Learn More
Extent of Gulf Coast Petroleum System Project and Oil and Gas Wells

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
By
Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Deep Sea Exploration, Mapping and Characterization
Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments

One of the main goals of the Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research (GEAR) project is to conduct assessments of undiscovered, technically recoverable petroleum resources of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. This goal is in accordance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) and is performed in collaboration with the USGS National Oil and Gas Assessment project. These high-quality...
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 25

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Buda Limestone of Texas: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Buda Limestone of Texas: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Buda limestone reservoir of Texas. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment (NAGA) Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The assessment unit is...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations Conventional and Continuous Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations Conventional and Continuous Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units, assessment input data, and resulting fact sheet data tables for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast Region. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Mesozoic Province, Lower Cretaceous Travis Peak and Hosston Formations: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-Gulf Coast Mesozoic Province, Lower Cretaceous Travis Peak and Hosston Formations: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations, U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Norphlet Formation: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project—Norphlet Formation: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units, assessment input data, and resulting fact sheet data tables for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Norphlet Formation of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast Region. The assessment unit is the fundamental unit used in the National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project for the...
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Delta log R total organic carbon estimates for the Tuscaloosa marine shale, U.S.A. Delta log R total organic carbon estimates for the Tuscaloosa marine shale, U.S.A.

This dataset contains estimated total organic carbon (TOC) calculated using the delta log R (dlogR) method, developed by Passey and others (1990), within BasinMod modeling software for the Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS) in southwestern Mississippi, U.S.A. BasinMod is a modeling software developed by Platte River Associates, Inc. Using version 2021-03-03 of the software, sonic and...
By
Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project- Gulf Coast Smackover Conventional Oil and Gas Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context...
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

USGS Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research Project-Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS Gulf Coast Geologic Energy Assessments and Research Project-Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation Continuous Resources: Assessment Unit Boundaries, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered continuous oil and gas resources in the Smackover formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is defined within the context of...
By
Central Energy Resources Science Center

United States Gulf Coast Basin Curated Wells and Logs Database (ver. 4.0, September 2025) United States Gulf Coast Basin Curated Wells and Logs Database (ver. 4.0, September 2025)

The United States (US) Gulf Coast Basin Curated Wells and Logs Database (CWLDB) is an online repository with stratigraphic information for petroleum wells in the United States portion of the onshore US Gulf Coast Basin that provides several of the following attributes: a) deep penetrations (generally, total depth of 10,000 feet or more), b) high quality and diverse geophysical well log...
By
Energy Resources Program, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-U.S. Gulf Coast, Deep Tuscaloosa Conventional Gas: Assessment Unit Boundary, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables USGS National and Global Oil and Gas Assessment Project-U.S. Gulf Coast, Deep Tuscaloosa Conventional Gas: Assessment Unit Boundary, Assessment Input Data, and Fact Sheet Data Tables

This data release contains the boundaries of assessment units and input data for the assessment of undiscovered Deep Tuscaloosa Group sandstones conventional gas resources in the U.S. Gulf Coast in Louisiana and Mississippi. The Assessment Unit is the fundamental unit used in the National Assessment Project for the assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources. The Assessment Unit is...
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Wireline geophysical logging curves and infrared spectral data for the USGS Gulf Coast #1 West Woodway research wellbore, McLennan County, Texas Wireline geophysical logging curves and infrared spectral data for the USGS Gulf Coast #1 West Woodway research wellbore, McLennan County, Texas

As part of a broader research program to examine domestic source rock reservoirs, the Gulf Coast Petroleum Systems project of the USGS Energy Resources Program drilled a research borehole into Late Cretaceous mudstones in McLennan County, Texas, including the Cenomanian-Turonian Eagle Ford Group. A comprehensive wireline geophysical logging suite and over 600 ft of continuous core were...
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Apatite and zircon U/Pb and fission track geochronologic and thermochronologic data along the Fall Line of the southeastern United States Apatite and zircon U/Pb and fission track geochronologic and thermochronologic data along the Fall Line of the southeastern United States

This data release contains apatite and zircon U/Pb and fission track data for six samples collected along the Fall Line of the southeastern United States, from Virginia to the Georgia-South Carolina border. The data resolve phases of rapid exhumational cooling in the Permo-Triassic, additional cooling in the Jurassic-Early Cretaceous and slower cooling since the middle of the Cretaceous...
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

U-Pb ages of detrital zircons in Paleogene strata of the Gulf Coast U-Pb ages of detrital zircons in Paleogene strata of the Gulf Coast

This data release contains 60 detrital zircon age spectra, based on U and Pb isotope ratio measurements for 9399 single grains. The samples are from Paleogene strata of the U.S. Gulf Coast. Of the 9399 single grain measurements, we recommend that 8640 yield ages that are suitable for construction of detrital zircon age spectra. Comments tagged to individual grains explain the reasoning...
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Filter Total Items: 122

Spatio-temporal modeling for assessing geoenergy resources: A workflow applied to gas in place variation in coal beds Spatio-temporal modeling for assessing geoenergy resources: A workflow applied to gas in place variation in coal beds

The ability to estimate spatio-temporal changes in hydrocarbon reservoir properties and energy resources within pore volumes is essential for optimizing production, reservoir management, geologic energy storage, and safety in underground mining operations. In coal seams, predicting remaining methane gas-in-place (GIP) is critical for quantifying producible gas and improving mine safety...
Authors
Oktay Erten, C. Özgen Karacan, Clayton V. Deutsch
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Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Background and geologic model for the 2024 U.S. Geological Survey assessment of undiscovered conventional petroleum resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast Background and geologic model for the 2024 U.S. Geological Survey assessment of undiscovered conventional petroleum resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast

The Upper Jurassic Norphlet Formation is a stratigraphic unit located in the subsurface of the United States Gulf coastal plain and offshore Gulf of America (Gulf of Mexico). The Norphlet consists of clastic sediments derived from the southern Appalachian highlands, and was deposited in a continental dryland setting on the margins of the early Gulf of America rift basin. The formation...
Authors
John W. Counts
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Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Buda Limestone of Texas, 2025 Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Buda Limestone of Texas, 2025

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean conventional resources of 12 million barrels of oil and 184 billion cubic feet of gas in the Buda Limestone of Texas.
Authors
Celeste D. Lohr, Colin A. Doolan, Matthew D. Merrill, William H. Craddock, Rand Gardner, Christopher P. Anderson, Phuong A. Le, Tracey J. Mercier, Christopher J. Schenk
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Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Rare earth element potential in coal and coal ash in the U.S. Gulf Coast Rare earth element potential in coal and coal ash in the U.S. Gulf Coast

United States heavy reliance on imports of critical minerals (CMs), including rare earth elements (REEs), underscores the importance of development of domestic sources. The study objective was to quantify CM and REE concentrations in coal and coal ash in the US Gulf Coast region. CM and REE concentrations were measured for 118 samples from outcrops and 14 mines in the Gulf Coast. Results...
Authors
Bridget R. Scanlon, Robert C. Reedy, Brent A. Elliott, James C. Hower, J. Richard Kyle, Marek Locmelis, Nolan Theaker, Peter D. Warwick
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Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Gulf Coast Basin CORE-CM initiative final report Gulf Coast Basin CORE-CM initiative final report

The Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-BEG) is leading the Gulf Coast Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative to assess the potential to produce critical minerals (CMs), including rare earth elements (REEs) from coal, coal ash, and produced water related to oil and gas production, and related materials (alumina processing waste...
Authors
Bridget R. Scanlon, Brent A. Elliott, J. Richard Kyle, Robert C. Reedy, Shelby R. Short, Nolan Theaker, Peter D. Warwick, Victoria G. Stengel, James C. Hower, Davin A. Bagdonas, Dennis R. James, Sandy M. Ebersole, Elizabeth M. Bollen, Dane VanDervoort
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Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Regional characterization of coal resources in the U.S. Gulf Coast Regional characterization of coal resources in the U.S. Gulf Coast

There is increasing interest in extracting critical minerals (CM), including rare earth elements (REE), from coals in the United States to address the overreliance on imported REE. The U.S. Gulf Coast and the Williston basins are the two major lignite-bearing basins within the country. Recent REE and CM studies of the lignite in these basins have indicated that the coals may be a viable...
Authors
Peter D. Warwick, Robert C. Reedy, Bridget R. Scanlon
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations, U.S. Gulf Coast, 2024 Assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations, U.S. Gulf Coast, 2024

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 28 million barrels of oil and 35.8 trillion cubic feet of gas in conventional and continuous accumulations within the Lower Cretaceous Hosston and Travis Peak Formations of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
Lauri A. Burke, Stanley T. Paxton, Scott A. Kinney, Nicholas J. Gianoutsos, Russell F. Dubiel, Janet K. Pitman, Christopher J. Schenk, Tracey J. Mercier, Phuong A. Le, Heidi M. Leathers-Miller
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023 Assessment of undiscovered conventional and continuous oil and gas resources in the Escondido, Olmos, and San Miguel Formations of the Western Gulf Basin Province, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 5 million barrels of oil and 25 billion cubic feet of gas in conventional reservoirs and 361 million barrels of oil and 10,978 billion cubic feet of gas in continuous reservoirs in the Western Gulf Basin Province of the U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
William H. Craddock, John W. Counts, Colin A. Doolan, Marc L. Buursink, Celeste D. Lohr, Javin J. Hatcherian, Katherine L. French, Jared T. Gooley, Phuong A. Le, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Christopher J. Schenk
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Energy Resources Program, Alaska Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

AAPG Energy and Minerals Division Tight Oil and Gas Committee Activities and Commodity Report for 2021-2022: Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, Gulf Coast basin, Louisiana and Mississippi AAPG Energy and Minerals Division Tight Oil and Gas Committee Activities and Commodity Report for 2021-2022: Tuscaloosa Marine Shale, Gulf Coast basin, Louisiana and Mississippi

The Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS) potential production area encompasses 20.4 million acres across central Louisiana (LA), southern Mississippi (MS), southwestern Alabama (AL), and a small southwestern section of the Florida panhandle (Hackley et al., 2018). It remains a minor and largely undeveloped unconventional shale oil play with production from the TMS confined...
Authors
Celeste D. Lohr
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Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023 Assessment of undiscovered conventional oil and gas resources in the Norphlet Formation, U.S. Gulf Coast region, 2023

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimated undiscovered, technically recoverable mean resources of 16 million barrels of oil and 348 billion cubic feet of gas in conventional reservoirs of the Norphlet Formation in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.
Authors
John W. Counts, William H. Craddock, Jared T. Gooley, Marc L. Buursink, Tracey J. Mercier, Cheryl A. Woodall, Christopher J. Schenk
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Comparison of measured versus modeled TOC in the Tuscaloosa marine shale of Southwestern Mississippi, U.S.A. Comparison of measured versus modeled TOC in the Tuscaloosa marine shale of Southwestern Mississippi, U.S.A.

This study presents a comparison of measured versus modeled total organic carbon (TOC) in the Upper Cretaceous Tuscaloosa marine shale (TMS) of southwestern Mississippi as a case study to evaluate the effects of mineralogy on the TOC estimated from the ΔlogR method. The ΔlogR method is utilized to calculate TOC, which involves baselining sonic transit time and resistivity log curves in a...
Authors
Celeste D. Lohr, Matthew D. Merrill
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Spatial distribution of API gravity and gas/oil ratios for petroleum accumulations in Upper Cretaceous strata of the San Miguel, Olmos, and Escondido Formations of the south Texas Maverick Basin—Implications for petroleum migration and charge history Spatial distribution of API gravity and gas/oil ratios for petroleum accumulations in Upper Cretaceous strata of the San Miguel, Olmos, and Escondido Formations of the south Texas Maverick Basin—Implications for petroleum migration and charge history

The Maverick Basin of south Texas is currently undergoing active exploration and production of gas and oil from tight sandstone reservoirs. The most productive tight sandstones in the basin are in the Upper Cretaceous San Miguel, Olmos, and Escondido Formations. These units are second only to the Eagle Ford Shale in terms of cumulative production volumes. The structural history of the...
Authors
Colin A. Doolan, William H. Craddock, Marc L. Buursink, Javin J. Hatcherian, Steven M. Cahan
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database (GCSRD) USGS Gulf Coast Source Rock Database (GCSRD)

The database is designed to be a convenient resource for any member of the public to easily access source rock data from across the Gulf Coast region, circumventing the need for extensive, time-consuming literature searches.
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation

USGS releases assessment of undiscovered gas resources in Gulf Coast’s Haynesville Formation

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered gas and oil in the Haynesville Formation underlying the...

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USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Hosston and Travis Peak formations along the Gulf Coast

USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Hosston and Travis Peak formations along the Gulf Coast

RESTON, VA. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered oil and gas in two formations under much of the Gulf of...

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USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in Texas' Maverick Basin

USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in Texas' Maverick Basin

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey released its assessment of potential for undiscovered oil and gas in formations of the Maverick Basin...

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USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

USGS Estimates Oil and Gas in Texas’ Eagle Ford Group

The Eagle Ford Group of Texas contains estimated means of 8.5 billion barrels of oil, 66 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 1.9 billion barrels...

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USGS Estimates 304 Trillion Cubic Feet of Natural Gas in the Bossier and Haynesville Formations of the U.S. Gulf Coast

USGS Estimates 304 Trillion Cubic Feet of Natural Gas in the Bossier and Haynesville Formations of the U.S. Gulf Coast

USGS also estimates 4 billion barrels of oil and 2 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in the two formations.

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