Oil and Gas Exploration Key Terms

Learn more about oil and gas exploration technology and regulatory terms

As oil and gas use increases, the exploration for more oil and natural gas deposits also must increase. The key to success in the industry is performing the exploration in the least expensive manner, while adhering to all applicable rules and regulations.Technology can help keep the cost of exploration down. Here are some key terms involving oil and gas exploration technology and the governing bodies that make the rules and regulations.

 

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

The 1980 CERCLA is an expansion of RCRA, the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. This act outlines the duties of companies that transport, store, treat or dispose of regulated hazardous substances, including some oilfield materials.
Try: The Environmental Protection Agency includes a detailed account of the act and its intended results and influences.

Minerals Management Service (MMS)

The MMS is a branch of the United States Lands and Mineral Management Department. To manage and supervise the country's national resources, the MMS oversees oil and gas leasing, royalty collection and other areas involving the oil and gas industry, such as drilling permits.
Try: See the Minerals Management Service website for greater detail.

Upstream

Upstream is another term for the exploration and production, or E&P, part of the oil and natural gas industry.
Try: PFC Energy advises companies on upstream operations.

Hydrophone

Hydrophones are underwater microphones used to calculate distances and shapes so geologists can find locations appropriate for drilling.
Try: Take a look at the Schlumberger Limited oilfield glossary for a detailed description of this and other oil and gas terminology.

Exploratory well, or wildcat well

Oil and gas companies drill exploratory wells to find new reserves. The well could be in a spot that does not have proven oil or gas reservoirs, or it might be used in an effort expand a proven reserve.
Try: Energy Bulletin published a story about an exploratory well that failed to turn up an oil reserve.

Acoustic or seismic survey

These types of surveys are used in oil and gas exploration to essentially map up to 40 kilometers under the ocean floor. Acoustic or seismic surveys use sound waves made by airguns. Hydrophones are used to pick up the echoes. The echoes are then processed to find out what geological structures are under the ocean.
Try: The Acoustic Ecology Institute offer news and research to help policy makers or other interested individuals stay informed.

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