History of Permian Basin (North America) in Timeline

The Permian Basin, located in western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, is a significant sedimentary basin in the southwestern United States. It stands out as the highest-producing oil field in the US, achieving an average daily production of 4.2 million barrels of crude oil in 2019. Its geographical location and geological composition contribute significantly to the energy sector and economy of the region.

1917: J.A. Udden Speculates on Marathon Fold

In 1917, J.A. Udden, a University of Texas geology professor, speculated that the Marathon Fold, associated with the Marathon Mountains, may extend northward.

1918: Liddle and Beede Elaborate on Marathon Fold Theory

In 1918, geologists R.A. Liddle and J.W. Beede further elaborated on J.A. Udden's Marathon Fold theory, suggesting it as a potential trap for oil. Based on this theory, test drilling commenced in the eastern Permian Basin.

1920: Oil Reserves Documented

In 1920, W.H. Abrams first documented oil reserves in the Permian Basin in Mitchell County, West Texas.

1921: First Commercial Well Opened

In 1921, the first commercial well was opened in the newly discovered Westbrook Oil Field in Mitchell County, at a depth of 2,498 feet (761 m).

1923: Discovery of the Big Lake Oil Field

In 1923, the Big Lake oil field was discovered in the Permian Basin, contributing to the growing number of oil field discoveries in the region.

1924: Companies Establish Geological Offices in the Permian Basin

By 1924, companies such as the California Company (Standard Oil of California), Gulf Oil, Humble (Standard Oil of New Jersey), Roxana (Shell Oil Company), Dixie Oil (Standard Oil of Indiana), Midwest Exploration (Standard Oil of Indiana), and The Texas Company had established regional geological offices in the Permian Basin.

1925: Discovery of the World and McCamey Oil Fields

In 1925, the World oil field and the McCamey oil field were discovered in the Permian Basin through random drilling or surfacing mapping.

1926: Discovery of the Hendrick and Yates Oil Fields

In 1926, the Hendrick oil field and the Yates Oil Field were discovered in the Permian Basin.

1928: No. I-B University Discovery Well Finds Oil

In 1928, the No. I-B University discovery well found oil at 8,520 feet within the Ordovician formations of Big Lake.

1933: Discovery of the Harper Oil Field

In 1933, the Harper oil field was discovered, contributing to increased exploration and development in the Permian Basin.

1934: Discovery of the Goldsmith and Means Oil Fields

In 1934, the Goldsmith oil field and the Means oil field were discovered in the Permian Basin.

1935: Discovery of the Foster and Keystone Oil Fields

In 1935, the Foster oil field and the Keystone oil field were discovered, further driving exploration and development in the Permian Basin.

1936: Discovery of the Wasson Oil Field and Slaughter Field

In 1936, the Wasson Oil Field and the Slaughter Field were discovered, continuing to fuel the growth of oil production in the Permian Basin.

1937: Discovery of the Wasson Oil Field

In 1937, the Wasson Oil Field was discovered, contributing to increased exploration and development in the Permian Basin.

1942: Discovery of the Embrar Oil Field

In 1942, during World War II, the Embrar oil field was discovered in the Permian Basin.

1944: Discovery of the TXL Oil Field

In 1944, during World War II, the TXL oil field was discovered in the Permian Basin.

1945: Discovery of the Dollarhide and Block 31 Oil Fields

In 1945, during World War II, the Dollarhide oil field and the Block 31 oil field were discovered in the Permian Basin.

1948: First Production Well Completed at Horseshoe Atoll

In 1948, the first production well, Seabird Oil Company of Delaware No. 1-B J. C. Caldwell, was completed at the Horseshoe Atoll.

1966: Permian Basin Production Figures

In 1966, the Permian Basin production measured 600 million barrels of oil and 2.3 trillion cubic feet of gas, totaling $2 billion.

1993: Permian Basin Production Figures

By 1993, the Permian Basin production totaled over 14.9 billion barrels, thanks to the installation of gas pipelines and oil refineries in the area.

2018: Permian Basin Production Figures

As of 2018, the Permian Basin had produced more than 33 billion barrels of oil and 118 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, accounting for 20% of US crude oil production and 7% of US dry natural gas production.

October 2019: Flaring and Venting in Permian Oil Fields

In October 2019, it was reported that drilling for oil in the Permian Basin had outpaced pipeline construction, leading to increased flaring and venting of natural gas and other greenhouse gases. Satellite data revealed that 3.7% of gas produced was lost in leaks, equivalent to the consumption of 7 million Texas homes. Smaller companies were choosing to flare gas rather than pay pipeline costs due to low natural gas prices.