What are the different columns on a USGS oil and gas resource assessment table?
The USGS uses a statistically-based process to calculate the likely range of its estimate. The range of values extends from a 5% or greater likelihood of occurrence (the F5 value, or largest estimated value) to less than 95% likelihood of occurrence (the F95 value, or smallest estimated value).
The F50 column is the value that occurs when 50% of the results are greater and 50% are lesser than the model results. We also calculate a mean or average value, which is the number commonly reported in the USGS press releases. The mean is close to, but not identical to, the F50 value.
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Bakken drilling and completion activities at a well along Interstate-94, 6 miles east of Belfield, North Dakota.
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USGS scientists drilling a research core near Waco, Texas. This core was drilled by USGS during field work for an oil and gas assessment for the Eagle Ford of the Gulf Coast Basins. Cores like these provide information on the various rock layers, such as their make-up, their age, etc.
The USGS assesses undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources for
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USGS scientists drilling a research core near Waco, Texas. This core was drilled by USGS during field work for an oil and gas assessment for the Eagle Ford of the Gulf Coast Basins. Cores like these provide information on the various rock layers, such as their make-up, their age, etc.
The USGS assesses undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources for
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Oil-well pads dotting the landscape of typical badland topography. Thousands of new wells are drilled into the Bakken and Three Forks annually, making this one of the most productive plays in the Nation.
Unconventional Oil and Gas—Fueling the Future
The Nation relies on oil and gas to power its economy, and unconventional gas is the fastest-growing energy resource in the United States. The U.S. Geological Survey is the authoritative, unbiased source for assessments of the world's oil and gas endowment. Come learn how these exciting new energy resources may contribute to the energy mix.
CRC, USGS core drilling rig
When core is drilled with a coring bit, it is captured inside the drill pipe which is pulled out of the ground. Then the core is emptied into a trough where it is marked to be put into boxes. This is a USGS Energy Resources Program coring operation for assessment of natural gas in the
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