Thanks largely to the use of 3-D seismic in prospecting for small structural closures, oil production has been rising in Kansas. In 2007, the state produced 36.59 million barrels of crude and in 2008 it made 39.58 million barrels. From January through October 2009, 32.76 million barrels had already been produced.

Kansas Oil: Production Since 2000
Oil
Production Wells
(bbls)
2000 35,174,434 42,165
2001 34,124,322 41,545
2002 33,379,734 41,383
2003 33,972,033 41,206
2004 33,878,472 41,920
2005 33,619,258 43,012
2006 35,668,804 43,924
2007 36,590,204 43,413
2008 39,582,384 45,106
2009* 32,762,190 44,483
*2009 data incomplete at this time.
Source: Kansas Geological Survey

The new flows of crude are coming mainly from counties in western Kansas and on the Central Kansas Uplift. In these regions of the Sunflower State, prospectors can image closures as subtle as 10 to 15 feet on 3-D, and that's enough to make an oil well. Economics are strong, as the wells are shallow and inexpensive to drill and complete.

For more on Kansas, look for the article “Little Kansas Bumps” in the upcoming April 2010 issue of Oil and Gas Investor. -Peggy Williams, Senior Exploration Editor, Oil and Gas Investor pwilliams@hartenergy.com