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Does the Bakken Formation contain more oil than Saudi Arabia?

Probably not. In 2000, the USGS assessed undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas in Saudi Arabia at 87 billion barrels (USGS 2000 World Petroleum Assessment ) compared to a mean estimate of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil in the Bakken formation of 4.3 billion barrels. In addition, Saudi Arabia contains even more oil that has already been found, which is reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration as current proven oil reserves.

Learn more: Williston Basin Oil and Gas Assessments

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Oil and Gas 4

How much oil and gas are actually in the Bakken Formation?

The USGS estimates that there may be 1.3 to 7.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil in the Bakken Formation (with a mean estimate of 4.3 billion barrels). These are estimates of oil that has yet to be found, but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. Estimates are based on an assessment of the geologic data. An additional 4...

link

How much oil and gas are actually in the Bakken Formation?

The USGS estimates that there may be 1.3 to 7.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil in the Bakken Formation (with a mean estimate of 4.3 billion barrels). These are estimates of oil that has yet to be found, but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. Estimates are based on an assessment of the geologic data. An additional 4...

Learn More
link
Image: Bakken Oil Well

What are the oil reserves in the Bakken Formation?

The USGS provides estimates of undiscovered, technically recoverable resources that have yet to be found (drilled), but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. These estimates are based on knowledge about the geology of the area.In contrast, reserves are oil resources that are already discovered, recoverable, and commercial. The USGS does not...

link

What are the oil reserves in the Bakken Formation?

The USGS provides estimates of undiscovered, technically recoverable resources that have yet to be found (drilled), but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. These estimates are based on knowledge about the geology of the area.In contrast, reserves are oil resources that are already discovered, recoverable, and commercial. The USGS does not...

Learn More
link
Image: Bakken Drill Rig

What are some of the difficulties of drilling in the Bakken Formation?

Traditional oil fields extract oil from rocks with relatively high porosity and permeability, so the oil flows out fairly easily. In contrast, the Bakken Formation is a relatively tight formation with low porosity and low permeability rock, from which oil flows with difficulty. To overcome this problem, wells in the Bakken Formation use a method called hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) in which...

link

What are some of the difficulties of drilling in the Bakken Formation?

Traditional oil fields extract oil from rocks with relatively high porosity and permeability, so the oil flows out fairly easily. In contrast, the Bakken Formation is a relatively tight formation with low porosity and low permeability rock, from which oil flows with difficulty. To overcome this problem, wells in the Bakken Formation use a method called hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) in which...

Learn More
link
Oil and Gas Wastewater Disposal Facility in West Virginia

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

link

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

Learn More
link
Oil and Gas1

How much oil does the Bakken Formation produce and how does this compare to what the United States uses?

The USGS does not maintain statistics on oil production or oil consumption. Production information can be obtained from publicly available sources like the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, and/or the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides information on oil consumption.According to those sources, In December of...

link

How much oil does the Bakken Formation produce and how does this compare to what the United States uses?

The USGS does not maintain statistics on oil production or oil consumption. Production information can be obtained from publicly available sources like the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, and/or the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides information on oil consumption.According to those sources, In December of...

Learn More
link
Image: USGS Scientist Researching Bakken Formation Water Samples

What are the environmental considerations of drilling for oil?

Environmental issues include:land surface disturbancethe amount of water initially required to hydraulically fracture (or “frack”) the welldisposal of the poor-quality water produced with the oilair pollutiongroundwater contaminationoil spillsdisruption of wildlife corridorsIn many cases, particularly on private land, it is the state government that regulates the extraction of oil and the...

link

What are the environmental considerations of drilling for oil?

Environmental issues include:land surface disturbancethe amount of water initially required to hydraulically fracture (or “frack”) the welldisposal of the poor-quality water produced with the oilair pollutiongroundwater contaminationoil spillsdisruption of wildlife corridorsIn many cases, particularly on private land, it is the state government that regulates the extraction of oil and the...

Learn More
Oil and Gas 3
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Oil and Gas1
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Image: Bakken Drill Rig
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Image: Bakken Drill Rig
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Oil and Gas 4
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Image: Bakken Oil Well
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Core from Bakken region
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Characterization and origin of brines from the Bakken-Three Forks petroleum system in the Williston Basin, USA

Brine (also referred to as ‘produced water’) samples were collected from 28 wells producing oil from the Late Devonian-Early Mississippian Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin of eastern Montana and western North Dakota. The samples were analyzed for major ions, trace metals, stable isotopes, and strontium isotopes. The brines in these formations are highly saline with total di
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of water and proppant quantities associated with petroleum production from the Bakken and Three Forks Formations, Williston Basin Province, Montana and North Dakota, 2016

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has completed an assessment of water and proppant requirements and water production associated with the possible future production of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Three Forks and Bakken Formations (Late Devonian to Early Mississippian) of the Williston Basin Province in Montana and North Dakota. This water and proppant assessment is directly linked to
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of undiscovered oil resources in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations, Williston Basin Province, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, 2013

Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered volumes of 7.4 billion barrels of oil, 6.7 trillion cubic feet of associated/dissolved natural gas, and 0.53 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin Province of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
By
Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Assessment of Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Oil and Gas Resources of the Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, Montana and North Dakota, 2008

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has completed an assessment of the undiscovered oil and associated gas resources of the Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian Bakken Formation in the U.S. portion of the Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota and within the Williston Basin Province. The assessment is based on geologic elements of a total petroleum system (TPS), which include (1) source-rock d
By
Energy Resources Program

A resource evaluation of the Bakken Formation (Upper Devonian and Lower Mississippian) continuous oil accumulation, Williston Basin, North Dakota and Montana

The Upper Devonian and Lower Mississippian Bakken Formation in the United States portion of the Williston Basin is both the source and the reservoir for a continuous oil accumulation - in effect a single very large field - underlying approximately 17,800 mi2 (46,100 km2) of North Dakota and Montana. Within this area, the Bakken Formation continuous oil accumulation is not significantly influenced

Developing an oil generation model for resource assessment of the Bakken Formation, U.S. portion of the Williston Basin

No abstract available.

Related Content

  • FAQ
    link
    Oil and Gas 4

    How much oil and gas are actually in the Bakken Formation?

    The USGS estimates that there may be 1.3 to 7.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil in the Bakken Formation (with a mean estimate of 4.3 billion barrels). These are estimates of oil that has yet to be found, but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. Estimates are based on an assessment of the geologic data. An additional 4...

    link

    How much oil and gas are actually in the Bakken Formation?

    The USGS estimates that there may be 1.3 to 7.3 billion barrels of undiscovered, technically recoverable oil in the Bakken Formation (with a mean estimate of 4.3 billion barrels). These are estimates of oil that has yet to be found, but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. Estimates are based on an assessment of the geologic data. An additional 4...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Bakken Oil Well

    What are the oil reserves in the Bakken Formation?

    The USGS provides estimates of undiscovered, technically recoverable resources that have yet to be found (drilled), but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. These estimates are based on knowledge about the geology of the area.In contrast, reserves are oil resources that are already discovered, recoverable, and commercial. The USGS does not...

    link

    What are the oil reserves in the Bakken Formation?

    The USGS provides estimates of undiscovered, technically recoverable resources that have yet to be found (drilled), but if found, could be produced using currently available technology and industry practices. These estimates are based on knowledge about the geology of the area.In contrast, reserves are oil resources that are already discovered, recoverable, and commercial. The USGS does not...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: Bakken Drill Rig

    What are some of the difficulties of drilling in the Bakken Formation?

    Traditional oil fields extract oil from rocks with relatively high porosity and permeability, so the oil flows out fairly easily. In contrast, the Bakken Formation is a relatively tight formation with low porosity and low permeability rock, from which oil flows with difficulty. To overcome this problem, wells in the Bakken Formation use a method called hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) in which...

    link

    What are some of the difficulties of drilling in the Bakken Formation?

    Traditional oil fields extract oil from rocks with relatively high porosity and permeability, so the oil flows out fairly easily. In contrast, the Bakken Formation is a relatively tight formation with low porosity and low permeability rock, from which oil flows with difficulty. To overcome this problem, wells in the Bakken Formation use a method called hydraulic fracturing (aka fracking) in which...

    Learn More
    link
    Oil and Gas Wastewater Disposal Facility in West Virginia

    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

    link

    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

    Learn More
    link
    Oil and Gas1

    How much oil does the Bakken Formation produce and how does this compare to what the United States uses?

    The USGS does not maintain statistics on oil production or oil consumption. Production information can be obtained from publicly available sources like the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, and/or the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides information on oil consumption.According to those sources, In December of...

    link

    How much oil does the Bakken Formation produce and how does this compare to what the United States uses?

    The USGS does not maintain statistics on oil production or oil consumption. Production information can be obtained from publicly available sources like the North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources, and/or the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The U.S. Energy Information Administration provides information on oil consumption.According to those sources, In December of...

    Learn More
    link
    Image: USGS Scientist Researching Bakken Formation Water Samples

    What are the environmental considerations of drilling for oil?

    Environmental issues include:land surface disturbancethe amount of water initially required to hydraulically fracture (or “frack”) the welldisposal of the poor-quality water produced with the oilair pollutiongroundwater contaminationoil spillsdisruption of wildlife corridorsIn many cases, particularly on private land, it is the state government that regulates the extraction of oil and the...

    link

    What are the environmental considerations of drilling for oil?

    Environmental issues include:land surface disturbancethe amount of water initially required to hydraulically fracture (or “frack”) the welldisposal of the poor-quality water produced with the oilair pollutiongroundwater contaminationoil spillsdisruption of wildlife corridorsIn many cases, particularly on private land, it is the state government that regulates the extraction of oil and the...

    Learn More
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    Image: Bakken Drill Rig
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    Image: Bakken Oil Well
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    Core from Bakken region
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  • Publications

    Characterization and origin of brines from the Bakken-Three Forks petroleum system in the Williston Basin, USA

    Brine (also referred to as ‘produced water’) samples were collected from 28 wells producing oil from the Late Devonian-Early Mississippian Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin of eastern Montana and western North Dakota. The samples were analyzed for major ions, trace metals, stable isotopes, and strontium isotopes. The brines in these formations are highly saline with total di
    By
    Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

    Assessment of water and proppant quantities associated with petroleum production from the Bakken and Three Forks Formations, Williston Basin Province, Montana and North Dakota, 2016

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has completed an assessment of water and proppant requirements and water production associated with the possible future production of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Three Forks and Bakken Formations (Late Devonian to Early Mississippian) of the Williston Basin Province in Montana and North Dakota. This water and proppant assessment is directly linked to
    By
    Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

    Assessment of undiscovered oil resources in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations, Williston Basin Province, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota, 2013

    Using a geology-based assessment methodology, the U.S. Geological Survey estimated mean undiscovered volumes of 7.4 billion barrels of oil, 6.7 trillion cubic feet of associated/dissolved natural gas, and 0.53 billion barrels of natural gas liquids in the Bakken and Three Forks Formations in the Williston Basin Province of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
    By
    Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center

    Assessment of Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Oil and Gas Resources of the Bakken Formation, Williston Basin, Montana and North Dakota, 2008

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has completed an assessment of the undiscovered oil and associated gas resources of the Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian Bakken Formation in the U.S. portion of the Williston Basin of Montana and North Dakota and within the Williston Basin Province. The assessment is based on geologic elements of a total petroleum system (TPS), which include (1) source-rock d
    By
    Energy Resources Program

    A resource evaluation of the Bakken Formation (Upper Devonian and Lower Mississippian) continuous oil accumulation, Williston Basin, North Dakota and Montana

    The Upper Devonian and Lower Mississippian Bakken Formation in the United States portion of the Williston Basin is both the source and the reservoir for a continuous oil accumulation - in effect a single very large field - underlying approximately 17,800 mi2 (46,100 km2) of North Dakota and Montana. Within this area, the Bakken Formation continuous oil accumulation is not significantly influenced

    Developing an oil generation model for resource assessment of the Bakken Formation, U.S. portion of the Williston Basin

    No abstract available.
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