t^ .vf^'S^'^' .%^^ Cornell University Library TN 872.N6E469 1920 The oil situation in New Mexico.A prelim 3 1924 004 891 606 ENGIM f^B 7 1dlS CORNEUL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IIHACA. N. Y. 14853 Ennncering LU»aiy CKpenttrHall Cornell University Library The original of tinis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924004891606 BULLETIN ^tatp 3Stttorfittg of Ni?m JH^xtrn WHOLE NUMBER 101 Geological Series 3 December. 1920 THE OIL SITUATION IN NEW MEXICO A PRELIMINARY REPORT Robert W. Ellis Professor of Geology in the State University of New Mexico and State Geologist ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO Published Quarterly by the State University of New Mexico Entered May 1, 1906, at Albuquerque, N. M., as Second Class Matter Under Act of Congress of July 18, 1894 Printed Through the Courtesy of George A. Kaseman COPYRIGHT I92I BY STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO CONTENTS Page Introduction 5 Reasons for the Investigations 5 Acknowledgments 5 Summary of literature , 7 Topographic areas 11 Park mountains 11 Great Plains border 11 Bolson plains and block mountains 12 Plateau region 12 History of the oil development 13 Present conditions, by counties Bernalillo County 14 Chaves " 14 Colfax " 15 Curry " 16 De Baca " .". . 16 Dona Ana " 17 Eddy " 17 Grant " 19 Guadalupe " 19 Hidalgo " 20 Lea " 20 Lincoln " 21 Luna " 21 McKlnley " ' 23 Mora " 26 Otero " ' 26 Quay " 27 Rio Arriba " 30 Roosevelt " 31 Sandoval " 31 San Juan " 32 San Miguel " 36 Sa.nta Fe " 36 Sierra " _ 36 Socorro " ; 37 Taos " 38 Torrance " 38 Union " 39 Valencia " 42 Summary 43 Appendix 45 Index 47 Oil map of New Mexico Insert (51|? O^tl Situation in N^m M^ma By SOBEBT W. ELLIS LNTRODUCTION Reasons for the Investigatloiis With the rapid increase in petroleum consumption, there has c^me within the past four or five years a wide and persistent search for new deposits. New Mexico, being a comparatively little known state geologically, and lying adjacent to the great producing state of Texas as well as near the oil-producing areas of Colorado, has become a center of exploration by oil pros- pectors. Every county has been traversed by the geologists of many companies. One eastern company is reported to have spent $90,000 in gathering data on the geology of the state. Many favorable indications of oU have been discovered and drilling has been done in scores of places. Up to the present time, all the efforts' have failed to demonstrate the presence of oU in paying quajitities, although some traces of oil have been discovered. During the past two or three years the office of the state geologist has had hundreds of calls for information on the geology of the state, especially with reference to oil possibilities, It has been impossible to supply, these demands, in many in- stances, because of the absence of published information on the subject. Many Government publications deal with certain areas, and a forthcoming bulletin of the United States Geological Sur- vey is expected to comprise a description of the geology, with a geological map of the state. The following report is the result of a series of reconnoissance trips made by the writer during the early part of the summer of 1920 for the purpose of securing data on the conditions having to do with oil production in the state. Acknowledgments In the absence of any legislative appropriation strictly for a geological survey these investigations were made possible through the efforts of President David S. HiU of the State Uni- versity and the considerate action of the Board of Regents. To these men the writer is indebted for encouragement, in this way, toward what he felt was a most important undertaking for the 6 THU OIL SITUATION state. He will be gratified if the matter herein included is of some benefit to those interested in oil propisitions in the state and of ultimate use in the promotion of the interests of the state's resources. Data on oil wells are not easy to secure. There is no official means of articulation between the State Geological Survey and companies doing business in the mineral wealth of the state. Any information obtained had to be gone after, and even then it was often impossible to get what was wanted. In manj^ cases, however, oil companies have courteously contributed such data as they could reasonably be expected to give. The writer wishes to acknowledge these courtesies, without which he could have done little toward collecting desirable materia], for this report. It is to be regretted that more detailed information could not be obtained in regard to geol6gical conditions of the several areas. Time could not be spared for more than very general attention to structure and stratigraphy. "While attempting to state facts_ regarding local conditions as gained by personal ob- servation, the writer has relied extensively on published descrip- tions of portions of the state, reference to which is here ac- knowledged. The data on the main subject of the report are necessarily far from complete. A number of wells could not be visited and some portions of so large a state as New Mexico, it may be supposed, were not traversed. It would have been more satisfactory to the writer if every company doing oil- exploratory work in the state could have contributed data. Since it was impossible to advise with representatives of all of these companies, it is hoped that no feeling will arise that any slight is intended in the omission of reference to certain oil projects. No favoritism is held by the writer. It is not his wish to omit recognition of any facts that would help the general public to a better unuderstanding of actual conditions relating to the oil situation in the state. He is aware that scientific accuracy can- not altogether be claimed for this report, and any one who can suggest corrections should feel free to do so. In the light of further investigations, certain statements may need to be re- vised. Many logs of wells, now withheld by drillers, may be available later on. Acknowledgement is made of helpful suggestions from Presi- dent David S. Hill and Dr. Fayette A. Jones, wljo have read portions of the manuscript. IN NEW MEXICO Summary of Literature The earliest published data on New Mexico oil prospects, as far as known to the writer, are embodied in a publication by Dr. I'ayette A. Jones,^ in 1904. Dr. Jones cites many localities where indications of oil appeared in the counties of Guadalupe, Colfax, Union, McKinley, Eddy, Lincoln, Otero, San Juan, Socorro, and possibly Luna. In many of these same localities wells have since been drilled. He suggests the possibility of the petroleum, if present, being too deep-seated to have been reached by the drills at that time; or that, if once having existed, the oil has been dissipated in consequence of the igneous activities of the region. G. B. Richardson^ briefly records the development of the ' petroleum industry near Dayton, N. M. He shows that several wells had been drilled there previous to 1913. Traces of oil and gas were found in several wells. Oil was first discovered in a deep well drilled for water. The best yield was from what is known as the "Old Hammond" well, later called the Brown well. The well was drilled in 1909. It is 950 feet deep. In 1911 it yielded six to ten barrels a day for several months. In 1913 it was producing about twenty-five barrels .of oil a day. The oil is reported as being a fuel oil, containing little or no gasoline. It occurs near the base of the Red Beds of the Pecos Valley. The same relative horizon in the Electra field, Texas, produces a high-grade light oil. In his bulletin on the Mineral Resources of New Mexico, Dr., Fayette A. Jones^ suggests the existence of three horizons fav- orable to produce oil — one in the upper marine Cretaceous shales, one in the lower Cretaceous, and one in the Triassic or Permian. Speaking of the different areas where oil might be found, he says, "It is the opinion of the writer, that one of the principal gas- and oil-bearing zones of Pecos Valley region starts in the vicinity of Artesia and passes in a slightly curved line through Dayton, running a little to the west of Lakewood, thence south- easterly, crossing the Pecos through to Avalon and thence farther southward toward Alkali Flat and Salt Lake. Another similar zone heads in about Stillwell's ranch and Dexter, passing south- easterly through Hagerman toward the Mescalero Ridge." Dr. Jones thinks that the Brown and the Belt wells indicate the possibility of an important petroleum field some day occupying the Pecos Valley. Other parts of the state that seem to Dr. Jones favorable to 8 THE OIL SITUATION oil occurrence are near Gallup, Wingate, Antonio Sedillo Grant, various parts of Navajo Reservation, western Socorro and Valen- cia counties, Hagen coal field, the plains of Jomado del Muerto, and parts of Guadalupe and Colfax counties. Prof. B. H. Wells* describes an area of 137 square miles located in northeastern Socorro County and southeastern Valen- cia County. He shows that the general structure of the region is a series of sediments tilted toward the west and the south- west, the eastern part dipping to the west 2 degrees to 8 de- grees, the southern part dipping to the south and southwest 2% degrees to 7 degrees. The western part dips to the south- west 2 degrees to 6 degrees. The district is traversed by sev- eral anticlines, whose general direction is north and south. The rocks of the district comprise sediments of Pennsylvanian, Permian, Triassic and Cretaceous ages. Of these formations, only the Cretaceous and Triassic appear at the surface in the district. As to the possibility of oil occurrence in the district, Prof. Wells suggests that if the concealed Carboniferous beds corres- pond in attitude to the exposed Puertecito formation, the condi- tions are favorable for oil. His final conclusion is that there is ' ' not more than a fair possibility of finding productive reser- A'oirs of oil and gas in the Puertecito district." Mr. Jo. E. Sheridan^ in his report on his inspection of eoa] mines of the state devotes some space to a consideration of the oil situation in New Mexico. He cites numerous instances of activity in oil prospecting in many parts of the state. He ex- presses belief that every county in the state possesses oil possi- bilities from a geological standpoint. He calls attention to the fact that many large oil companies are investing money in the investigation of the oil possibilities and that wells are being drilled in many counties. Commenting on the general structural conditions in New Mex- ico, Mr. N. H. Darton" states that "only a few deep wells have been bored in New Mexico and these are in places where the structure is not favorable for the occurrence of oil or gas, or the wells were not drilled deep enough to make them satisfactory tests." Mr. Darton warns against too great excitement over "the hectic literature written to promote the sale of oil stock." In behalf of conditions that might prove favorable for oil, he mentions the following localities : Guadalupe cotinty, T. 11 N., R. 19 E. ; on Pintado Creek in T. 8 N., R. 10 E. ; in the N. E. IN NEW MEXICO 9 corner of this county and in southern San Miguel County; Quay County a short distance east of Tucumeari; in De Baca County; in Lincoln County, near Lincoln, and in T. 6 S., R. 9 E., T. 9 S., R. 8 E., and T. 5 S., R. 12 E.; in eastern S.ocorro County, 3 miles northeast of Carthage coal mines; at Prairie Springs, in T. 2 S., R. 4 B., and at the north end of the Oscura Mountains. Mr. Dean E. Winchester' in the Geology of Alamosa Creek Valley, Socorro County, New Mexico, gives special reference to the occurrence of oil and gas therein. He shows that the area he discusses lies north of the Bear, the Gallina, and the Datil Mountains, between the Sierra Ladrones and the Continental Divide and north to the north line of T. 4 N. He shows that the rocks of the area range from Carboniferous to Recent. The Cretaceous he divides into Dakota sandstone, the Miguel forma- tion, largely sandstone, and the Chamiso formation. Contain- ing soft sandstone and sandy shales, with coal beds. These last two formations correspond in position to theMancos shale and Mesaverde. The structure of the area is, in general, westward-dipping, the older strata outcropping successively to the east. There are many foults and small folds, and these usually accompany one another. The Red Lake anticline extends from sec. 21, T. 3 N., R. 8 "W., northward about 13 miles. The La Cruz anticline enters the area at the north and passes southeast toward the northwest corner of T. 1 N., R. 5 W. He suggests that the Red River anticline would provide a good place for the accumulation of oil if it occurs in rocks below the Dakota sandstone. Referring to David White's theory concerning the relation of oil to occurrence of coal, he states that the coals of the Chamiso and Miguel formations have a low enough per cent of fixed carbon to allow the possibility of oil occurrence in those forma- tions. He suggests a suitable place for a shallow test well in these formations as being near the center of sec. 19, T. 4 N., R. 9 W. A deep well to test the older formation would be favorably located near Red Lake, in sec. 2, T. 3 N., R. 8 W. Mr. John K. Knox,* discussing the probability of oil occur- rence in New Mexico, concludes that the eastern and southern portions of the state give rather poor encouragement for the discovery of oil therein. The Canadian River valley lacks suit- able storage horizon, and structures, if present, are difficult to 10 THE OIL SITUATION locate. The Santa Rosa-Tucumcari region has many apparent structures, whose origin is uncertain and which have no probable associated petroliferous beds. The Pecos Valley gives no evidence of large possibilities. South-central New Mexico may possess oil possibilities in the deeply bilried Paleozoic limestones. ' ' The Plateau Province offers the best chance for future produc- tion." 1 Jongs, Fayette A., New, Mexico Mines and Minerals, page 278, 1904. 2 Bichardson, G. B., Petroleum near Dayton, New Mexico: Bulletin 541-D, U. S. Geological Survey, 1913. 3 Jones, Fayette A., Mineral Kesources of New Mexico : Bulletin 1, New Mexico School of Mines, 1915. 4 Wells, E. H., Oil and Gas Possibilities of the Puertecito District, Socorro and Valencia Counties, New Mexico: Bulletin 3, New Mexico School of Mines, 1919. 5 Sheridan, Jo. E,, 8th Annual Keport of the State Inspector of Mines, 1919. 6 Darton, N. H., Oil and Gas Prospeta in East Central New Mexico : Press Bulletin, March 1920, U. S. Geological Survey, 1920. 7 Winchester, Dean E., Geology of Alamosa Creek Valley, Socorro County, New Mexico: Bulletin 716A, U. S. Geological Survey, 1920. 8 Knox, John K., Geology of New Mexico as an Index to Probable Oil Resources: Bulletin, Am. Assoc. Petr. Geologists, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1920. IN NEW MEXICO 11 TOPOGRAPHIC AREAS Park Mountains New Mexico includes a great variety of topographic and structural features. The north-central area, including Taos County and portions' of adjoining counties as far south as Santa Fe, has been called the region of "park mountains." It is the southern extension of a system of folded ranges having a gen- eral north and south trend. The mountains are rough, and forest-covered on their flanks, while between the ranges are beautiful park-like valleys. The central parts of the uplifts are mainly granitic or metamorphic rocks from which the sedi- mentary beds have been worn away. Great Plains Border That part of the state lying, for the most part, e.ast of the 105th meridian is within the Great Plains region. It is essen- tially a plateau that has been extensively dissected and eroded by streams. Portions of the original plateau surface still re- main, forming broad, flat areas remote from the main drainage lines. The most extensive of these high surfaces occur next to the Texas border, being a part of the Llano Estacado. The general structure of the area is a gentle eastward dip of the strata. Following the effects of differential erosion in the tilted strata, the main axis of drainage is north and south. In the northern part of the state the Canadian Eiver follows this axis as far as eastern San Miguel County. Farther south, from Guadalupe County, the Pecos River continues along this axis to the Texas boundary. Between the two valleys rises a barrier formed by a series of low uplifts, which enters the state in the latitude of Quay County. This has diverted the course of the Canadian River eastward. The surface formations of the eastern section of the state range from the Pennsylvanian to the Tertiary. The oldest of these outcrops lie towards the west. From Pecos River to the Sacramento Mountains, limestone formations of the middle Per- mian are the surface rocks. East of Pecos River rises an es- carpment 150 to 300 feet high, at the top of which an undulat- ing surface extends eastward 20 to 30 miles. This escarpment shows many alternating beds of gypsum and red sands and 12 THE OIL SITUATION clays. The eastern edge of these beds passes underneath an- other escarpment formed by the protecting limestone beds of the Tertiary. South of the middle of Eddy County, Permian limestone outcrops are common, and the prevailing dip is south- ward. From Las Vegas northeastward Cretaceous beds outcrop over a considerable area along the Canadian River, being overlain by later formations throughout the greater part of Union County. The Cretaceous and Triassic in the north, and the Per- main in the central and southern parts of eastern New Mexico are overlain by extensive areas of Tertiary sediments reaching westward from the Texas line. The Tertiary beds are usually characterized by a limey formation at the top called ' ' caliche, ' ' which is the surface rock over the level stretches of the Staked Plains and their outlying portions in eastern New Mexico. This deposit appears intermittently as far west as the central part of Torrance County. Bolsoii Plains and Block Mountains The middle and southwestern section of the state comprises an area of relatively level country from which rise numerous and somewhat isolated mountain peaks and ranges with a gen- eral trend north and south. The typical structure here is that called "bolson-fault-block." Through a series of faults, sec- tions of the surface have been raised and tilted, leaving a steep and ragged escarpment on one side and a relatively gentle slope on the other. Since the uplift, wind, rain, and torrential streams have reduced the rugged heights and filled the lowlands with the debris so deeply that they are like islands in a sea of gravel and sand. These intervening valleys — called "bolsons" — ^have little, if any, established surface drainage. The swollen moun- tain steams soon lose their. energy in the thirsty level sands below. There are few outcrops of strata except on the moun- tain slopes, which furnish the main clue concerning the strati- graphy of the region. Sediments thus exposed are confined mostly to those of Paleozoic age. Pennsylvanian and older rocks outcrop around many of the uplifts, while Tertiary sedi- ments overlie and conceal much of the older deposits. Plateau Region That portion of the state lying generally west of the 107th meridian and north of the 34th parallel, forms a part of the IN NEW MEXICO 13 "Colorado Plateau." It is an area of relatively few mountain ranges. The prevailing type of topography is a mueh-eroded plain, whose variations in elevation are due to the unequal erosion of level or slightly-dipping sediments. Numerous out- flows of lava spread over wide areas, forming a protective cov- ering to surfaces.of pre-Tertiary age. Later erosion has lowered the unprotected parts hundreds of feet. The central portion of this area is dominated by the "Ziini uplift," a granitic stock, from which strata dip outward in all directions. The northern half of the area forms the San Juan Basin. This more nearly approaches the plateau type of topography. Its surface pre- sents a marvelous display of erosion, and suggestions of former oscillations of level and variations of direction of drainage. The prevailing surface formation here is the Cretaceous. This formation is overlain in the northeastern part of the Basin by Tertiary sediments, the successively older formations outcrop- ping around in belts of irregular width. HISTORY OF THE OHi DEVELOPMENT Oil prospecting in New Mexico is of comparatively recent date. "While traces of oil in certain parts of the state may have awakened some interest in former years, the beginning of the more recent excitement reaches back only about 10 years. For some years previous, artesian wells had been sunk in the Pecos Valley. A brief account of the early development of oil- finding near Dayton is given by G. B. Eiehardson in Bulletin 541-D., U. S. G. S. From 1909 to 1913 the prospects of oil pro- duction in that locality were quite favorable. Several barrels a day were secured from one well. Another one yielded a com- bustible gas in considerable quantity. Showings of oil have oc- curred in many artesian wells in the vicinity. » About as long ago as the finding of oil near Dayton, discov- eries were made in the Seven Lakes region, McKinley County. This has lately become one of the most encouraging fields. No great effort seems to have been made to demonstrate the presence of oil in the state until about three years ago. At the present time it is estimated that 50 wells have been started in the state. Some of these have been abandoned, some are being drilled, and in some work is temporarily suspended. New wells are being spudded in quite frequently. Very elaborate and thorough drilling operations are being conducted by sev- eral companies. 14 THE OIL SITUATION PRESENT CONDmONS, BY COUNTIES BemaUlIo County This county, the smallest in the state, lies toward the northern end of the bolson-block area. The most prominent elevation is the Sandia range, which extends partly across the east end of the county from the north. The range is an eastward-dipping block, whose rim rises 5,000 feet above the Rio Grande Valley. The crest is formed of thick beds of Pennsylvanian limestone overlying a granite core. The westward-facing escarpment is very rugged. To the east of this range the surface slopes gently toward the Bstancia Valley. Westward to the Puerco Eiver the surface is a sandy mesa, cut by the valley of the Rio Grande. The older formations are largely hidden by Tertiary deposits. The general structure of this portion of the county is an eastward-dipping block, whose escarpment exposes Cretaceous beds along the east side of Puerco Valley. A portion of the area west of the Rio Grande is covered with lava flows of local origin. Several prospect holes have been started. One of these is located about half a mile west of the railroad station of Isleta. Another is now being drilled about 5 miles northeast of Albu- querque. ChaTes County This county is largely within the Pecos VaUey. Its north- eastern quarter is a tableland capped by Tertiary limestone. This formation ends abruptly about 6 miles east of the Pecos River, in the latitude of Acme station, but retreats eastward faither south. It is of the same horizon as the surface rock of the Staked Plains. The southeast quarter of the county has a rough topography, formed on the series of Red Beds exposed below the cap rock. The Pecos River has cut into the Permian beds and removed the higher deposits from most of the area. To the west, limestones of the Permian are exposed. The gen- eral attitude of the beds is a gentle eastward dip. Over the relatively level surface of the county lying within a few miles of the river, numerous structural undulations occur. Many wells have been drlled for artesian water from Roswell to Carlsbad. The source of water is a sandstone member of the Permian. This stratum is reached at a depth of about 800 IN NEW MEXICO 15 feet along the river valley. The same beds outcrop in the Sacramento and Capitan Mountains to the west. National Exploration Company's Orchard Park weU, No. 2, is located on the S. E. i^ sec. 15, T. 12 S., R. 25 E., 11 miles S. E. of Roswell. This well was located on a structure indi- cated by artesian well logs. Surface features of the location are not prominent. The first limestone was at 534 feet. Drill- ing is progressing. Lake Arthur well, No. 3, National Exploration Company, is located in S. W. i^ S. W. % sec. 15, T. 15 S., R. 26 B. It is about 2% miles N. E. of Lake Arthur. Drilling is going on. The logs of these two wells show some similarity to a depth of 534 feet in the Lake Arthur well, being a succession of red and blue clays and gypsum. The thickness of the correspond- ing beds in the two wells varies considerably, being approxi- mately twice as thick in the Lake Arthur well as in the other. The structure apparently displayed by these weU sections is a slowly emerging dome in the vicinity of Orchard Park, with converse movement in the region of Lake Arthur, during sedi- mentation. Two other wells are located about 6 miles N. W. of Lake Arthur, but are not being operated. It would seem that the logs of artesian wells in Chaves County might be utilized to a considerable extent in locating structures. The Kenna well is located on the N. E. i^ N. W. i/4 sec. 12, T. 6 S., R. 21 E. This well was started by the Great "Western Oil and Refining Company. Most of the leases are now in the hands of another company and the well has been abandoned. The location is on a prominent ridge running north and south between Elida' and Kenna. There is some question whether this ridge is a structural uplift or is the result of solution and slumping in contiguous areas. Colfax County Cretaceous outcrops appear along the valley of the Canadian River through the county. To the east these beds are overlain unconformably by Tertiary deposits. Tertiary formations also cover areas west of Canadian River in the Raton Mesa region. The Cretaceous shales and limestones have a northward dip in the southeastern part of the county. In the northeastern part 16 THE OIL SITUATION of the county the general dip of Cretaceous rocks is southwest. The only well being projected is located about 20 miles east of Springer. This is known as the Decker well, No. 1. Its loca- tion is in the N. "W. 14 S. B. i^ sec. 26, T. 25 N., R. 25 B. The surface rocks are the Timpas limestone and the Benton shale. The structure is known as the French anticline. A number of anticlinal structures are reported in the Raton Mesa region. One of these is the Vermejo Park structure. Curry County The general surface is high and level, being in the Staked Plains region. The upper formation is a white nodular lime- stone, or "caliche," of slight thickness but up to 20 feet thick. This is covered usually with a dark sandy loam. In some places it is overlain by a reddish sand, which is locally heaped into dunes. There are no oil drillings in the county. As far as is known, no drilling is contemplated. De Baca County The broad tableland of Curry County stretches westward and gradually downward to the vicinity of the Pecos River, merg- ing into the plain a few miles northwest of La Lande. River deposits of sand and cemented gravel border the Pecos River in terraces about 100 feet above the river at Fort Sumner. The relatively level topography of the north central part of the county* gives way to more rugged surface in the western part, where the monotony is broken by isolated buttes of Red Bed formations. Two wells have been started in De Baca County. At La Lande a portable rig, in good condition but not' operating, was located on a slightly elevated portion of the plain. This well was started by Messrs. Oliver and Sullivan but was later taken over by Clay Oliver, of Wichita Falls, Texas. The Buchanan well. No. 4, of the National Exploration Com- pany is located in the N. W. i^ S. B. % sec. 35, T. 2 N., R. 20 E. It was just spudding in on August 13, 1920. A site for a well is reported on sec. 2, T. 6 N., R. 25 E. IN NEW MEXICO 17 Dona Ana County The ranges of the San Andreas, the Organ, and the Franklin Mountains border the eastern side of the county, rising above the desert plains on either side. These are typical block moun- tains, with granite cores forming steep and rugged escarp- ments beneath the uplifted sedimentary beds. The general sur- face west of the mountains is a sandy plain through which the Eio Grande has cut a valley to a depth of 600 feet, and of varying width from a quarter of a mile to nearly 6 miles. The drainage is typical of the semi-arid region. The porous surface deposits rapidly absorb the torrential streams from the moun- tains, leaving ever-deepening deposits of bowlders, gravel, and sand. There is a noticeable absence of tributaries to the major drainage channel. West of the Eio Grande the surface is diversified by nu- merous uplifts and lava flows. No wells are reported from this county. An oil rig is ^located just across the Eio Grande in Texas, about 6 miles northwest of El Paso. Eddy County The general topography and structure are similar to those of Chaves County — eastward-dipping strata that have been deeply and broadly eroded parallel to the strike of the beds. Numerous streams are tributary to the Pecos, from the west, while to the east the surface drainage is scarcely expressed in any permanent streams. The formations exposed east of the Pecos are mainly the Eed Bed series, with the usual accompanying barren condition of surface. "West of the Pecos the surface rises gradually along the east- ward-dipping beds of Permian limestones. Outcrops of Per- mian limestone occur from the 4th Standard Parallel, or about 6 miles south of Dakewood, southward. These outcrops show a general dip to the south. The western and southern parts of the county are quite rugged from the unequal erosion of the upturned strata. This portion of the Pecos Valley presents many instances of favorable structural conditions. A number of wells have been located and others are being projected. The Harkey well. No. 1, is located on sec. 15, T. 24 S., E. 18 THE OIL SITUATION 27 E., about 6 miles west of Malaga. It is being drilled by the Kansas-Carlsbad Oil Co. The location is rather high up on a group of hills about 2 miles south of Black River. The sur- rounding country is comparatively level, some 200 feet lower. Blue Bird, No. 1, is being drilled by the New Mexico Petro- leum and Refining Co., and the Pool Oil and G-as Co. The loca- tion is 11/2 miles south of Carlsbad, on N. E. % sec. 18, T. 22 S., R. 27 E. The Kansas-New Mexico Oil Co. is drilling on sec. 10, T. 20 S., R. 25 E. The Pecos River Oil and Gas Co. is drilling on sec. 27, T. 19 S., R. 23 E. Illinois Producers, No. 1, is located on sec. 16, T. 19 S., R. 26 E., about 1^^ miles north of Lakewood. No. 2 is in the S. E. corner of sec. 28, T. 18 S., R. 26 E., in the town of Dayton. This well is located nearly on the apex of the dome on which Dayton is built. The surface is about 100 feet higher than the level of the Belt well. The two wells that have actually produced oil, and have attracted as much attention as any wells in the state, are the , Belt and the Brown wells, located within 2% miles of Dayton. The Brown well is located on the west side of sec. 15, T. 18 S., R. 26 E. It was originally drilled as a water well but was later sunk deeper and a quantity of oil was discovered. As high as 40 barrels of oil, it is said, were produced daily; in March, 1913. The yeld of oil was hindered by the flow of water encountered. The well was drilled to a depth of 950 feet. The oil horizon was between 911 and 926 feet. This well is now abandoned, but the tanks, the oil-saturated soil, and pools of oil-covered water surrounding the location are very suggestive of an oil locality. A small amount of oil now ac- companies the slender stream of water that flows from the well. The Belt well is located on the N. W. comer of sec. 25, T. 18 S., R. 26 E. The surface is slightly lower than at the Brown well and, in general, shows as little indication of structure. The Belt well was drilled to a depth of about 1,000 feet. Some oil has been collected from the water flowing from this well, but in scarcely great enough quantities 'to pay for continuing the simple process of collecting it for local uses. Another well in this vicinity at one time added to the inter- est in oil prospecting. Gas was struck in this well, located IN NEW MEXICO 19 about lYz miles southeast of Dayton, sec. 26, T. 18 S., R. 26 E. This well also has been abandoned. Grant County Grant County does not need to rely upon petroleum as an important source of wealth The general dislocated structure of the main portion of the county precludes the possibility of great oil deposits therein. Mineral wealth of other kinds en- grosses the attention of her citizens. No oil wells have been reported in this county, although the southern part is probably equally well situated with the adjacent counties east and west, as far as oil possibilities are concerned. Guadalupe County The southwest part of the county from Vaughn to Santa Rosa is relatively level and uneroded. The surface is capped by a porous limestone, "caliche," some 15 feet thick. This is underlain by red beds and gypsum. The region contains nu- merous sinkholes, probably caused by the dissolution of masses of gypsum underneath and the collapsing of the surface for- mation. The surface slopes gently from the southwest corner to the Pecos River. From Santa Rosa northeastward the surface is more broken and the predominating formations north of Cuervo are Triassic red beds. The remaining broad mesas still retain the caliche layer at top. Such a surface forms the divide which runs northwest through the northeastern part of the county. Numerous local flexures occur, some of which are indicated on the map. A number of these structures have been located as sites for drilling. At one of these, about 5 miles northeast of Cuervo, part of an outfit for drilling has been deposited. The location is near the sumit of a low dome about 3 miles in diameter. A structure lying across the north line of the county is de- scribed under San Miguel County. A well-defined structure lies west of Santa Rosa. It extends from about 2 miles west of the town to the ranch of Tranquilino Apodaca and northwest. It is 5 or 6 miles wide. A well location has been fixed in the S. E. y^ sec. 5, T. 8 N., R. 20 E. Southeast of Santa Rosa the Pecos River flows along the axis of a series of uplifts for 10 or 12 miles. The most pronounced portion of this structure is about 3 miles below Santa Rosa. 20 THE OIL SITUATION Two small domes run southward from the north line of T. 8 N., R. 23 E. Another location is in sec. 20, T. 8 N., R. 25 B. John K. Knox^ refers to a structure, called the "Los Bsta- ritos dome," located in T.-ll N., Ranges 18 and 19 B. The favorable indications of this dome were not sustained by the results of drilling. Red Beds were penetrated 1,900 feet, and granite was struck shortly below this depth, without finding oil. Hidalgo County The topography and structure are practically similar to those of Luna County and southern Grant County, — broad, level plains surrounding isolated mountain ranges of the block type. One well is reported from this county. It is located 10 miles due west of Lordsburg, T. 22 S., R. 20 W. The Buffalo Oil and Gas Co. drilled here to a depth of 700 feet and operations were temporarily suspended. The log as far as drilling went is as follows : Log of Well in T. 22 S., B. 20 W. Feet. Clay and gravel 1-340 Coal-black muck 340-344 Blue clay, gravel and "cement" 344-700 Lea County The high prairies of the Staked Plains form the larger part of this county. The eastward slope of the surface follows the general direction of the dip of the underlying formations, whose outcropping edges form the high escarpment bordering the Pecos Valley on the west. The surface is gently undulating, with numerous shallow undrained depressions. The surface rock is a thin-bedded caliche limestone of Ter- tiary age, which is in many places covered with a shifting layer of reddish sand. The peculiar topography of the region has led to some hopes of finding possible oil structure here. The absence of eroded stream valleys or deep railroad cuts renders the determination of the underground structure somewhat difficult. "While some of the surface features may be due to diastrophic movements, 1 Knox, John K., Geology of New Mexico as an Index to Probable Oil Resources: Bulletin, Am. Assoc. Petr. Geologists, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1920. IN NEW MEXICO 21 it is likely that the dissolution of underlying gypsum beds is responsible for most of the local irregularities of surface. No drilling is being done in Lea County at the present time. Lincoln County The general surface of the county is mountainous or rough. The drainage is mainly to the east, following the structure inclination. Outcrops of Carboniferous and Permian strata prevail on the eastern slope, with numerous igneous exposures toward the central and western part. Sierra Capitan rises to an elevation of 10,000 feet and is a landmark for 90 miles to the east. The west side of the county, 10 to 20 miles in width, em- bodies a distinct type of topography. An abrupt descent from the uplifted area marks the line of a series of faults striking north and south. This western portion is part of a great valley . formed by the displacement. It is relatively level and largely covered with sand and gravels. A recent lava flow extends from the 1st Standard Parallel South southwestward into Otero County, with a width of 3 to 8 miles. Favorable structures for oil have been discovered both in the eastern part and in the valley region. Near the village of Picacho, the National Exploration Co. has a standard rig. Drilling is progressing. The site of the well is in the valley of Hondo Creek at the junction of a tributary from the south. The structure appears very distinct and favorable. At Tinnie, some 5 miles farther up the valley, another good structure occurs ; also another about 1 mile above Tinnie. At Oscuro, near the S. W. comer T. 9 S., R. 9 E., a standard rig was erected some time ago, but drilling has been suspended. Mr. Chas. P. Gray reports a good structure 3 miles northwest of Oscuro. Luna County This county lies within the general area of the bolson-block mountains. The surface is, for the most part, a broad, desert plain. The monotonous level of the surface is frequently broken by low ranges of monoclinal mountains, having a gen- eral northwestward trend. Exposures of granite and lava- flows occur in several localities. The great surface of the county is practically without run- ning streams. The principal watercourse is the Mimbres 22 THE OIL SITUATION River, which flows part way into the county from the north but soon loses its water in the sands. To Deming, and beyond, this stream frequently flows, at time of flood. Sedimentary strata from the Cambrian to Recent time appear at the surface in certain localities and probably underlie much of the area. The out-cropping edges of the oldei^ formations appear on the mountain slopes, while the later deposits cover the main portion of the plains. The general structure of the county has not been determined, owing to the abundance of bolson deposits and the isolated arrangement of outcrops. It is possible that the sediments lie in relatively undisturbed attitude, aside from their faulted and flexed condition as forming the several mountain ridges. The Florida well, being drilled by the Florida Oil Co., is 6% miles northwest of Deming, S. W. ii sec. 14, T. 23 S., R. 10 W. The well was at a depth of 1,565 feet and still drilling. The formations consist of clay and sand, interlayered, to a depth of 430 feet, where 30 feet of limestone occurs. The remaining depth to 1,430 feet is in shale, sandstone, and gravel, inter- layered. At 1,430 to 1,515 feet is white limestone, below which - is red shale'containing oil. The log is very different from that of the Angelus well. The Angelus well is located about 22 miles southeast of Deming, on S. W. i^ sec. 8, T. 25 S., R. 6 W. It is being drilled by the Angelus Oil Mining Association. This well presents a reraarkable series of water-bearing strata. It suggests won- derful possibilities for that section of the state, aside from oil development. Log follows : Log of Well, S. W. 14 Sec. 8, T. 25 8., B. 6 W Feet. Gravel 1- 18 Clay 18-56 Water sand 56- 75 Clay and sand. 75-157 Sand and water 157-164 Clay, sand and gravel 164-222 Quick sand' and clay 222-303 Red clay 303-336 Gray oaving clay 336-357 Red clay 357-382 Red sliding clay 382-434 Real sticky clay 434-523 Quicksand; water rose to within 35 feet of surface. . . .523-525 Gray sandy clay. . 525-547 Red clay 547-553 IN NEW MEXICO 23 Gray sandy clay 553-567 Red sandy clay 567-573 Gray sandy clay 573-580 Quicksand; heavy flow of water 580-583 Gray sandy clay 583-589 Quicksand and water gravel; water rose above derrick floor 589-594 Sticky gray clay 594-616 Sand and water 616-630 Red clay 630-642 Sand and gravel; water stands 10 feet above ground. .642-657 Gravel and water 657-670 Brown sand; water rose 15 feet above surface 670-700 Hard streak of coarse sand 700-724 Quicksand 724-728 Clay, sand and gravel , 728-803 A well was started by the Valley Oil Co. in the N. W. 1/4 sec. 16, T. 29 S., R. 7 W., a few miles southeast of Columbus. It has been abandoned. McKlnley CJounty This county lies along the southern border of the San Juan Basin. Its southwestern part is included in the Zuni uplift. The! surface features have great variety, but, as ai whole, the county is rather rough and difficult of traverse. The Zuni uplift is a dome-like elevation extending over an area 60 miles in length, trending southeast from the vicinity of Gallup and central over northwestern Valencia County. The effects of this uplift are observable over the central and northern part of the county in the general northward-dipping strata of the region. The southwest part of the county is a structural basin, the strata rising toward the Zuni uplift and the state line. The southeastern corner is covered with extensive lava-flows, from which erosion has lowered the adjacent country 200 to 300 feet. The prevailing formation is the Cretaceous. Older forma- tions are exposed from the Santa Pe railroad south, and reach- ing to T. 13 N., R. 9 W. The outcropping edges of these forma- tons, dipping northward,- have undergone erosion, causing successive hog-back ridges with wide, flat" valleys. Tertiary deposits cover small portons of the northeast and northwest corners. The Seven Lakes district of McKinley County for several years has been regarded as a likely region for oil production. Seven Lakes (named from seven ephemeral lakes) is a locality in T. 18 N., R. 10 "W. The first producing well here was brought 2-4 THE OIL SITUATION in by the Phoenix Syndicate, at a depth of 475 feet. It is lo- cated in sec. 18. This well is believed to have produced 8 or 10 barrels of oil for a short time. It is novi^ capped. The same company drilled near this well, in sec. 19, same township, but drilling was stopped at a depth shallower than that of the first well. A third well was started by this company in sec. 13, T. 18 N., R. 11 W. The formations penetrated by these wells were mainly alternating beds of blue shale and sandstone, with several thin layers of coal. A well was drilled by another party in sec. 31, T. 18 N., R. 9 W., to a depth of 800 feet. The formations were about the same as in the first 3 wells to 65 feet. Below this, sandstone was encountered all the way. No oil was found. A well was started in sec. 29, T. 19 N., R. 10 W. In the summer of 1920 the Ruby Oil Co. started drilling on sec. 33, T. 19 N., R. 10 W. This location is on the highest hog- back ridge in the vicinity. Mr. J. F. Branson of Albuquerque set up a small rig on the W. 1/2 sec. 16, T. 17 N., R. 11 W. Work was abandoned at a depth of 390 feet. The formations were sand and shale, with some thin layers of lignite. Mr. Branson later started a well in see. 18, T. 18 N., R. 10 W., just west of the Phoenix Syndi- cate well. In 1919 the Carter Oil Co. drilled a well in sec. 17; T. 11 N., R. 19 W. It is probable that it penetrated Pennsylvanian strata most of the way. The log shows intervening beds of red shales, brown and gray sandstones, and blue limestones. Water was obtained at 1,006 feet. The well was abandoned at a depth of 1,980 feet, where granite was struck. Log of Well, S. W. Corner Sec. 17, T. 11 N., B. 19 W Feet. Red rock or shale 1- 270 Sandstone, soft brown 270- 350 Sandy red shale; water 350-1006 Brown sand 1006-1015 Shale • • . 1015-1020 Blue lime 1020-1100 Gray sand ' 1100-1355 Red shale 1355-1360 Pink sand 1360-1365 Red shale 1365-1550 Blue lime 1550-1565 Brown sand 1565-1575 Red shale 1575-1620 Blue lime 1620-1630 Shale and red rock 1630-1980 IN NEW MEXICO 25 One of the most definite structures in the state is located about 25 miles north of Grants, T. 15 N., R. 10 W. The region is one of deeply eroded sediments of Cretaceous age. The up- permost formation is the Mesaverde. This in some places may- be entirely dissected, exposing the underlying Mancos shale. The general dip of strata is northeastward. The outcropping edges of the harder strata form high escarpments overlooking the region to the south. The local uplift is central over sec. 14. The low dome is surrounded by the high escarpments of the outward-dipping Mesaverde sandstones. Extensive faulting has occurred on the periphery of the structure. A portable rig was erected near the east line of sec. 15. Drilling was begun, but was suspended in the spring of 1920, pending legal adjustments. The following log was furnished by Supt. S. F. Stacker of Pueblo Bonito Indian Agency : Log of McKinley County Oil Go. Well on Sec. 18, T. 18 N., B. 13 W., by Gus Mulholland, Gallup, N. M. Feet. AUuvial earth 1- 80 White sandstone, pumping water 80- 240 Hard shell 240- 245 Clay shale - . 245- 475 Gray sandstone, first flow of water.' 475- 525 Hard shell 525- 535 Hard gray sandstone 535- 585 Shale - 585- 635 White sandstone, carries water 635- 655 Black jack and coal 655- 665 White sandstone 665- 700 Blue fire clay 700- 725 White sandstone, water flowed more 725- 785 Hard shell 785- 805 White sandstone, carries water 805- 845 Dark shale 845- 905 Blue shale 905- 970 Shale 970-1000 G-ray sandstone , 1000-1030 Sandy shale 1030-1050 Gray sandstone 1050-1090 Shale 1090-1120 White sandstone, water increased 1120-1200 Hard shell 1200-1210 Gray sandstone 1210-1320 White sandstone, water increased 1320-1400 Hard brown shale 1400-1520 Shale and olay 1520-1540 26 THE OIL SITUATION "Small show of oil and gas at 1,535, water Is not good between 473 and 525, best flow of water between 1,120 and 1,200. Another flow of water between 1,320 and 1,400. This well is drilled into the Mesa Verde formation and the sand- stone member (San Mateo formation) of the Mancos shale group. Below 1,520 the rocks may be lower part of Mancos shale group, or the shale member proper (Mariano formation)." — J. H. Gardner. Mora Coimty The geology of this county does not differ widely from that of the counties lyiag north and south of it. The western part is more than 1,000 feet higher than the eastern. Prominent igneous masses protrude through, or cover, the sediments in the central part. Cretaceous shales form the surface rocks over a large portion of the county. The eastern end is covered with Tertiary deposits. No oil wells have been drilled in the county. Surface fea- tures suggest a possible favorable structure from 5 to 10 miles northeast of "Wagon Mound. Otero County This county embraces a considerable variety of topography, although it is located essentially in the region of block moun- tains and bolson plains. Numerous mountain ranges rise in the central and eastern parts. The southern and western parts are desert plains lying between widely separated mountain ranges. Surface drainage is developed in the northwestern part, but the county has generally no permanent streams. The structure of the region is largely obscured by the loose surface deposits of the intermountain plains. The Tularosa Basin occupies the western part of the county. This structural depression lies 1,000 feet below the scarp of the Sacramento ranges running northward through the central part of the county. A number of wells have been located in the Tularosa Basin. The Valmont-Tularosa Basia Oil Co. started a well GYz miles west of Valmont station. ^ A standard rig was set up and drill- ing was done to a depth of 125 feet, with an 18-inch casing set in the well. Owing to financial difficulties the project has been temporarily abandoned. The Southwestern Tularosa Basin Oil Co. is drilling on sec. 34, T. 13 S., R. 7 B., about 12 miles northwest of Tularosa. The drilling had reached about 1,600 feet, with "good indications for oil." IN NEW MEXICO 27 The Olean-New Mexico Oil Co. is drilling 1% miles west of Escondido station, T. 20 S., R. 9 E. The location is on a slight elevation some 6 miles in diameter. The Cox Oil Co. is drilling about 20 miles southwest of Val- mont. The Tularosa Basin has numerous low, dome-like elevations over the generally plain surface. These elevations are becom- ing the sites for many of the wells located in the Basin. Quay County Quay County is peculiarly situated in respect to structure and topography. A broad structural elevaton enters the state here, and passes westward into Guadalupe County. As stated before, the Canadian River seems to have been diverted from its south- ward course along the strike of sedimentary beds and has aided in a rapid dissection of this uplift. The surface is a half-devel- oped pene-plain, with broad areas yet untouched in the de- grading process. To the south, the ragged escarpment of the Staked Plains parallels the limits of the county. The general axis of the uplift runs eastward from the vicinity of Tucumcari to the Teias line. Numerous wells have been drilled. The deepest, and probably the best known, well is located about 14 miles southeast of Tu- cumcari. It is in the S. E. corner of sec. 27, T. 10 N., R. 31 E. It is known as the ' ' McGee Test. ' ' It was drilled by the Tucum- cari Oil and Gas Co. The well is located in the valley of Plaza Largo Creek on a prominent hill south of this creek. The surface rocks are classed by McGee as Triassic, 450 feet below the top. The well was finished at a depth of 4,014 feet. Log of the McGee Well, Tucumcari, 8. E. Corner Sec. 27, T. 10 N., B. 31 E. Feet. Gray sandstone 0- 30 Red shale 30-470 Gray sandstone (water — salty) 470- 600 Red shale 600- 666 Sandstone (no water) 666- 676 Red shale 676- 760 Sandstone — water 760- 783 Blue shale 783- 796 Water sand . . • • 796- 800 Red shale 800- 905 Blue shale 905- 940 28 THE OIL SITUATION Water sand 940- 970 Red shale 970-1110 Rock salt 1110-1135 Red shale 1135-1400 Sand rock (no water) 1400-1430 Rock salt 1430-1455 Red shale 1455-1625 Lime — light gray 1625-2000 , Brown shale 2000-2200 Lime — dark gray 2200-2225 Lime — blue — little gas 2225-2231 Lime — dark gray (saturated with oil) 2231-2256 Lime — black and dark gray, with black and gray partings (saturated with oil) 2256-2372 Salt .,., . .2372-2377 Lime — black and dark, with shale partings (satur- ated with oil) 2377-2550 Brown shale (gas blowout at 2585) 2550-3200 Black lime (showing of oil) 3200-3220 Salt 3220-3225 Brown shale 3225-3325 Red lime and sand — hard 3325-3340 Brown shale 3340-3505 Dark gray lime — hard 3505-3520 Red sandy shale 3520-3550 Blue lime 3550-3575 Blue shale 3575-3595 Red sandy shale ' 3595-3618 Red sandy lime 3618-3660 Red sandy shale 3660-3685 Brown granitic sand 3685-3730 Brown lime with granitic sand 3730-3808 Brown sand (water) 3808-3815 Red lime with granitic sand 3815-3820 Blue shale 3820-3825 Red lime with granitic sand 3825-3854 Black lime 3854-3859 Blue slate 3859-3869 Brown slaty lime '. .3869-3885 Dark slaty lime 3885-3898 Blue slaty lime 3898-3900 Dark lime 3900-3902 Dark gray lime 3902-3906 Brown shaly lime 3906-3912 Dark gray lime .' 3912-3926 Brown lime 3926-3940 Light brown ilme 3940-3953 Sl^ie ■ 3953-3958 Brown slaty lime 3958-4014 San Jon Avell, or McGee No. 2, is located 6 miles northeast of San Jon, see. 14, T. 11 N., R. 34 E. The location is on the high, broad ridge forming the center of the uplift through Quay County. This well is in a slight depression on top of the dome, IN NEW MEXICO 29 which is 3 or 4 miles across. At a depth of 200 feet drilling was temporary suspended. Endee well, about 10 miles northeast of the McGee No. 2, is in sec. 7, T. 11 N., R. 36 E. The location is on top of a broad dome forming a part of the general elevation east of Tucumcari. To the east, the southeast, and the south can be seen the escarp- ment of the Staked Plains, some 20 miles distant. The prevail- ing material of the well to a depth of 1,500 feet was blue shale. Prom 1,500 to 2,300 feet was mainly limestone. Red beds were not entered till about 2,500 feet. The project is being under- taken by the Endee Oil and Gas Co. The Rana well is located near Rana. This well was spudded in and abandoned by the Reid-Penumex Oil and Gas Co. The Standard Petroleum Corporation is drillingi in sec. 25, T. 13 N., R. 31 E., 16y2 miles northeast of Tucumcari, on the Canadian River. The log of this well shows a somewhat differ- ent arrangement of formations from those in the McGee weU. The top of this well is in the formation that occurs about 400 feet down in the McGee well. The strata correspond quite regu- larly but average nearly half the thickness of those in the McGee w^ell. The first 1,120 feet of the former correspond to those in the latter between 400 and 2,375 feet. Log of Well, Sec. 25, T. 13 N., B. 31 E. Feet. Red rock 0- 60 Red lime 60- 80 Sand rock 80- 120 Gray shale 120- 125 White sand 125- 170 Red shale 170- 177 Sand rock — water 177- 220 Gumbo 220- 255 Sand rock 255- 330 Gray shale — sand and salt water 330- 340 Sand 340- 522 Broken blue shale and sand 522- 560 Red shale 560- 615 Red lime 615- 635 Red shale 635- 855 Sand rock — salt water 855- 865 Red shale 865- 876 Sand rock 876- 885 Red rock 885- 890 Blue shale 890- 900 Red rock 900- 905 Gray lime 905- 983 Brown shale 983-1025' Mixed lime 1025-1075 30 THE OIL SITUATION Brown shale 1075-1090 Gray and brown lime — salt water 1090-1130 "Water (in lime) 1130-1144 Blue shale 1144-1150 Dark brown shale 1150-1158 Gray shale and lime 1158-1168 Dark brown lime 1168-1200 Gray lime 1200-1210 Sand, water 1210- Preparations for drilling were made on sec. 23, T. 8 N., R. 28 E., by the Moquay Co., but the project was abandoned. A small dome 2^2 miles east and half a mile south of Tucum- caji appears to be a structural elevation, in sec. 20, T. 11 N., R. 31 B. A large structure lies northeast of Tucumcari embracing parts of townships 11 and 12 N., ranges 31 and 32 E. Southwest of Quay is a structure, central about on sec. 36, T. 8N.,R. 29E. Rio Arriba County The county is largely overlain by Tertiary sediments. These have been eroded in certain, places and the underlying Cre- taceous sediments are exposed. Thei^e is considerable variety of topography. Over much of the area the sediments are rela- tively level or slightly modified by local flexures. Into these the streams have cut deeply, and frequently have laterally eroded the surface, leaving steep faces of buttes and mesas over- looking stretches of lower plain. The Chama River is the major stream. Its course much of the . way through the county is a degradational one, through strata of sandstone and shales. In places the river has cut gorges 250 feet deep and scarcely more than that in width. Wider parts of the valley are bordered by gravelly terraces. Some drilling has been done in this county. E. T. "Williams started a well near Chama, which was later abandoned. A well was started on the J. R. Martinez ranch, 6 miles northwest of Park View. This was abandoned at 1,200 feet. The Continental Oil Co. is drilling two wells on the Looney ranch, about 15 miles northwest of Tierra Amarilla. A very favorablq structure occurs on Willow Creek about 3 miles west of Park View. Willow Creek here cuts, in a narrow gorge, directly across the anticline, which extends nearly east and west. The structure is about ll^ miles across and its apex is about 80 feet above the creek. The south limb is much steeper IN NEW MEXICO 31 than the other, which brings the crest about 1 mile south' of the north side of the structure. Where the creek emerges from the gorge, it crosses a fault line striking parallel to the main axis of the fold. The down-throw is to the north. The rock at the surface of the fold is very hard gray sandstone, weathering to a reddish brown color. Lying above this sand- stone at the level of the valley is an exposure of oil shale. Oil seeps are reported 2 miles northwest of Petaca; also 4 miles east of Chama. Roosevelt Ckmnty The surface is of quite uniform topography, being closely allied to the Staked Plains type, of which it forms a part of the western margin. The general dip of strata is southeasterly. The surface formation is a thin Tertiary limestone, which is here and there overlain by a red loose sand. Underlying beds, dissolving, have caused slumping of the surface and the for- mation of sink-holes. These depressions often may be confused with structural "lows," as they both sometimes occur in. the same neighborhood. Portales is situated in an abandoned valley, known as the "Portales Valley," running southeasterly iato Texas. South of the Portales Valley rises a broJid, westward extension of the Llano Estacado. A ridge-like portion of this highland parallels the Portales Valley 6 or 7 miles south oi Portales. On this ridge about 10 miles southeast of Portales is located the well of the Nu-Mex Oil Co., S. E. 14 S. W. i^ sec. 4, T. 3 S., R. 35 E. The well was down 900 feet, mostly in red beds. Drilling has since been temporarily suspended on account of litigation. Roosevelt Oil Corporation, well No. 1, is located about 4 miles southeast of Garrison, on the S. E. 1/4 sec. 7, T. 6 S., R. 37 E. The location is on the same general structure as the Nu-Mex well, which broadens toward the southeast. Mesa well — Mesa Oil Co. of Portales — is located on N. W. Vi sec. 27, T. 1 N., R. 30 E. Tolar well, 33^4 miles north of Tolar, on N. W. l^ sec. 8, T. 3 N., R. 29 E., was started by John Dahl. A rotary rig was set up, but operations were discontinued soon after starting. Sandoval County A considerable variey of topography is included in this county — sandy mesa, eroded plateau, lava-topped mesas, granite-cored mountains. Between Rio Grande and Jemez River igneous 32 THE OIL SITUATION rocks prevail. Much of the southwestern part west of Rio Puereo is covered with lava, while the Sandia Mountains rise to a height of 10,150 feet in the southeast corner. From the center of T. 14 N., R. 1 E., the surface slopes southeasterly to the Rio Grande, an undulating sandy mesa cut by the many/ arroyos, and sparsely covered with grass or scruhby red cedar. The eroded valley of Jemez River to the north presents, a typical Bad Land topography. Near the middle of the east side of sec. 12, T. 14 N., R. 1 W., sandstone beds dip east and southeast at angles of 70 degrees to 90 degrees forming a peculiar, sharply-rough topography. About lYz miles southeast of this point, across a valley, strata outcrop still with a southeasterly dip but at an angle 'of 15 degrees. Across the low ridge and 1^^ miles to the northwest the dip is 10 degrees southwesterly. The strata exposed on this anticliae are probably Cretaceous. The southwestern part of the county west of Rio Puereo is an eroded plateau. The westerly-dipping strata form one ridge after another, with intervening valleys sometimes grass-covered, sometimes thick with sage brush. No wells are known to be located ia Sandoval County. San Juan County San Juan County embraces the main part of the San Juan Basin. It is a structural basin, with the successive beds of sediments outcropping concentrically in strips of varying width. Much of the area lying north and east of Rio Chaco to the Colorado line is -Tertiary ; at least on the higher levels. West and south of this area occur outcrops of Laramie sandstone and Lewis shale in rather narrow belts. The broad expanse reach- ing across into McKinley County from Rio Chaco may, in gen- eral, be classed as Mesa Verde. The Choiskai Mountains in the southwestern part are also capped with Tertiary. Many minor variations of dip occur across the county. The surface of the interior is essentially barren and without water. Mesa Verde Oil Co. well. No. 1, was spudded in May 16, 1918. It is located about 9 miles northeast of Farmington, in sec. 16, T. 30 N., R. 12 W. Drilling was suspended at a depth of 1,512 feet, but was resumed again in July, 1920. The location is in a valley leading into Las Animas Valley from the west. The log shows many intervening beds of sandstone, shale, and limestone. IN NEW MEXICO Log of Mesa Verde Well No. 1, Sec. 16, T. 30 N., R. 12 W. Feet. Yellow sand 0- 50 Blue shale 50- 100 White sand 100- 120 Blue shale 120- 140 White lime shell 140- 150 Blue shale 150- 160 White sand — showing of oil 160- 265 White lime shell 265- 267 White sand 267- 285 Blue shale 285- 315 White sand — lime and strong flow sulphur gas 315- 350 White sand 350- 380 White sand — of quartzite nature containing iron pyrites 380- 465 Blue shale 465- 475 Black lime 475- 490 White sand 490- 500 Gray lime 500- 530 Pink lime 530- 540 White lime shell 540- 580 Red mud 580- 590 White lime shells 590- 630 White lime 630- 645 Light shale 645- 650 White lime shell 650- 670 Light shale 670- 685 Blue lime 685- 700 Light shale 700- 710 White sand 710- 745 White lime 745- 755 Blue shale 755- 780 White sand 780- 790 Blue lime, very hard 790- 795 White sand, coarse, good showing high grade oil. . . 795- 810 White lime 810- 820 Brown shale 820- 830 Blue lime 830- 840 White sand, coarse 840- 855 Brown shale, sandy 855- 865 Blue lime 865- 875 White sand, coarse 875- 877 White sand, coarse, strong flow gas; oil, with salt water : 877- 897 Blue shale 897- 91T Lime shell and shale 917- 930 Lime shell, blue 930- 935 White sand, coarse 935- 955 Shale, blue, and white lime mixed 955- 985 Blue shale 985-1005 White lime shells — strong showing petroleum gas. . 1005-1010 Gray sand, coarse 1010-1050 34 THE OIL, SITUATION White sand, fine, strong flow salt water 1050-1055 White lime 1055-1057 Blue lime 1057-1072 White sand, coarse 1072-1075 Blue lime 1075-1100 White sand, coarse 1100-1120 Shale and lime shells 1120-1135 Blue lime 1135-1140 White sand 1140-1150 Gray sand (nice showing, green oil) 1150rll60 Blue lime 1160-1175 Blue shale 1175-1240 Blue lime and shale 1240-1262 Lime shells 1262-1280 White sand, coarse , 1280-1301 Mud, light blue 1301-1317 Lime shells 1317-1325 Blue shale 1325-1326 Gray sand 1326-1331 Shale and lime, broken, with some sand 1331-1415 White sand 1415-1421 Mud, light pinkish 1421-1433 Blue shale 1433-1453 Lime shells . . .• 1453-1462 Blue shale 1462-1491 Lime, shale and sand — broken 1491-1509 Black lime 1509-1512 Mesa Verde well, No. 2, is about 2 miles west of well No. 1, on sec. 18 of the same Township. It is some 200 feet higher than well No. 1. A showing of oil and gas was made at 175 feet. At 610 feet a showing of inflamahle gas. From 807 to 845 feet, several gallons of oil were haled out, and oil showings continue to 890 feet. This well was later abandoned. Log of Mesa Verde Well No. 2, Sec. 18, T. 30 N., B. 12 W. Feet. Brown sandstone 0- 60 Blue shale 60-105 White sand 105-160 Blue shale 160-175 Lime shells 175-180 White sand coarse 180-205 Blue shale 205-227 White sand, coarse 227-242 Blue shale, muddy 242-247 White sand, coarse 247-282 Lime shells, gray 282-285 Brown shale 285-290 White sand, coarse 290-350' Brown shale 350-360 White sand, fine (shells and fresh water) 369-390 IN NEW MEXICO 35 White sand, coarse 390-430 Blue shale, muddy 430-440 White sand, coarse 440-499 Lime shells, gray-brown 499-504 White sand, coarse 504-529 Gray lime shells, hard 529-533 Sand, quartz-like — boulders, etc 533-550 White lime 550-558 Lime shells, sand, conglomerate 558-600 White lime 600-608 Gray sand ". 608-610 Blue shale ' 610-614 Blue mud 614-619 Lime shells in shale 619-624 Lime shells 624-642 Brown shale v 642-660 Sand 650-660 Lime shells 660-690 Brown shale 690-695 Lime shells 695-710 White sand 710-722 Lime shells 722-730 Blue shale ....—-. 730-740 Lime shells, white, and then blue 740-770 Sand 770-775 Lime, blue shale, light mud 775-807 Gray sand, fine 807-845 Lime, shale, sand, mixed — color blue 845-890 Interest in the possibilities of this region has been lately ■ revived and new drillings are in prospect. In the summer of 1920 the E. T. Williams Syndicate began drilling in sec. 2, T. 30 N., R. 12 W. The Parmington Times- Hustler of Dec. 9, 1920, contains the following information on this drilling: A heavy, dark-colored gas was encountered in the Pictured Cliff sands, 2,100 to 2,250 feet. Several strata of coal were found between 1,700 and 2,085 feet, one of them being 14 feet thick. Seven distinct gas sands have been encountered. On Dec. 12 this well was reported to be at a depth of 2;900 feet, in the Lewis shale. The Parmington well, near the town of Parmington, T. 29 N., R. 13 W., was drilled in 1906-7. Dr. P. A. Jones collected data on this well in June, 1908, as follows : Depth of well was 2,730 feet. A heavy flow of gas was struck at 730 feet. At 2,720 feet a 5-foot vein of coal was encountered. Mr. John A. Weher gives data : "In the Parmington well the Pictured Cliff forma- tion was penetrated at 1,200 feet. The Lewis shale is 1,000 feet thick, with hot salt water at its base. No strong oil indications have been observed in this formation in any of the wells drilled 36 THE OIL SITUATION in this part of the San Juan Basin. The Mesaverde is about 1,400 feet thick where it out-crops in the Great Hogback 20 miles northwest of Farmington, and the Farmington well had probably reached the middle of that formation at 2,700 feet, when the tools were lost and the hole abandoned. At this depth artesian water and some crude oil were encountered. Several gas zones were passed through; also oil showings at different horizons. ' ' Sam Miguel County From Las Vegas west, the surface is quite mountainous or rough. Triassic sediments dip steeply eastward, and at Las Vegas are overlain by Cretaceous shales and limestones. Trias- sic sediments again appear in the southeast part of the county. The only well yet located in this county is on the Romero dome. The site is 20 miles north of Cuervo, the S. B. corner of sec. 28, T. 13 N., R. 24 E. Preparations for drilling were being made in July, 1920, by the Romero Dome Oil Syndicate. This site is 6 or 7 miles northeast of the center of the structure. The structure is very definite and extends over an area some 10 miles in diameter. Its center is near the S. W. corner sec. 24, T. 12 N., R. 23 B. • Santa Fe County The northeastern quarter of the county is very rugged. ■ Granitic uplifts cover practically this entire portion. The south- eastern quarter is rough with deeply) eroded sediments. The western half is naturally divided into two parts by the Galisteo River. To the north of this, broad mesas stretch from Santa Fe to the Rio Grande. Extensive lava flows cover the border next to Rio Grande. To the south of Galisteo River the surface is essentially a plain, reaching southward to form the northern portion of Estancia Valley. A cluster of granitic mountains lie along the west border. No wells had been drilled in Santa Fe County up to August, 1920. Sierra Conty The Fra Cristobal and Los Caballos ranges are block moun- tains, their steep escarpmests overlooking the Rio Grande val- ley, their eastern slopes forming the western limb of the Jor- nado del Muerto syncline. On their crests, Pennsylvanian strata are exposed, lying against granite. At the bases of these IN NEW MEXICO 37 mountains, on the east, the sands of the semi-desert plain stretch relatively level beyond the limits of the county. The general surface of the county west to the Black and Mimbres ranges is deeply dissected by many arroyos leading toward the Rio Grande. In this respect it differs from the plains on the other side of the Rio Grande, where erosion has scarcely become effective. No wells were reported from Sierra County. Socorro County The surface is, in general, rough or mountainous. Between mountain ranges stretch broad valleys with very little change in topography for 10 to 20 miles. Other areas are rough with the remnants of deeply eroded highlands. The county is so large that no general description can indicate the variety of surface. Up to the present time only two wells are being drilled in the county. Several areas have been located where the structure is favorable. Messrs. Kelley and Estelle, of Magdalena, are drilling in sec. 17, T. 3 N., R. 14 W., about 18 miles northeast of Quemado. The well is located in a valley, with an 800-foot escarpment of southwestward-dipping strata to the west. About 1% miles north rises an igneous plug— Mt. Vetechadow — having a slight outflow of lava. Several dikes cut the strata from, the central mass, one of these forming the northeastern side of the valley in which the well is located. A portable rig was in operation when this well was visited, July 31, 1920. Artesian water was encountered at about 200 feet. About 10 miles east of Datil, sec. 8, T. 2 S., R. 8 W., a well is being drilled by the Von Hagen Oil Corporation. The well is located on a north-south structure rising in a broad plain — "San Augustine Plains" — extending 15 miles east and west and some 25 miles north and south. This valley is surrounded by mountains, from whose slopes the downward-dipping strata stretch across the valley. The floor of this valley is modu- lated by numerous structural undulations similar to the one on which the Von Hagen well. No. 1, is located. About 18 miles east of Socorro there is reported a well- defined structure. See. 4, T. 3 S., R. 4 E., is located upon this structure. This area^ is not readily accessible, being some 50 miles from Socorro by road. 38 THE OIL SITUATION The structure of an area northwest of Puertecito has been mapped and described' by E. H. "Wells. Dean E. Winchester has treated the geology of a larger area in tlie same section of the county. Taos County This county was not visited by the writer. He is informed that no drilling for oil is being done. Some interest is being maintained, by citizens of the county, ia oil locations around Ojo Caliente. Torrance County The Manzano Mountains, bordering the western edge of the county, dip toward the east, forming a rugged escarpment on the west. Sediments of upper Pennsylvanian age outcrop along the rim and form the eastern slope for several miles from the summit of the range. These sediments are overlain by the thick beds of Tertiary and Quaternary deposits of the Estancia Valley. South of the Santa Pe R. R., the Chupadera Mesa forms the main topographic feature. This mesa lies to the west of a wide valley, 10 miles wide, leading southeastwai'd from T. 3 N., Ei. 8 E. Its northern end, upturned," forms a steep es- carpment overlooking a part of the Estancia 'Valley. There is no well-defined surface drainage through the valley. The surface is covered by a sandy loam from one to many feet thick, and supports a sparse growth of grass. The Estancia Valley embraces the central portion of the county as well as the southern part of Santa Fe county. Its maximum extent north and south is 65 miles ; east and west, is 40 miles. The valley is a structural basin partly filled with sediments washed in froin the surrounding highlands. It has no outlet and iu its lowest parts are several salt lakes. The po- sition and depth of these lakes are maintained by the erosive action of the wind when the lake beds are dry. The wind-blown silt is heaped in dunes on the eastern margins of these depres- sions. The Hills of Pedernal is a structural elevation lying to the east of Estancia Valley. The northern end- of this uplift is composed of rugged metamorphie rocks, the southern end being a broad, rolling surface. The surface from Lucy eastward for about 5 miles rises over this uplift, which extends across several townships north and south. The surface east of the Pedernal Hills as far as Encino is structurally undulating. Outcrops of crystalline rocks occur southeast of Pedernal Mountain as far IN NEW MEXICO 39 as sec. 7, T. 5 N., R. 13 E. This rock is also struck in some wells in that vicinity. Encino Basin is a structure depression enclosing a flat area of ancient lake deposits about 6 miles north and south and 3" miles east and west. This area lies mainly in the S. E. part of T. 5 N., R. 14 E. Pinos Wells Basin lies south of Encino Basin and is about equal in area, with deposits of sediments and salt similar to those of Estancia and Enciuo basins. The upland to the east of these salt basins slopes toward the Pecos River. Pennsylvanian strata outcrop along the eastern slopes of the Manzano range and cover much of the southwestern part of the county south of the A., T. & S. P. R. R. From Estancia Valley east, the uplands show a surface rock of caliche, which ifi referred to the Tertiajry. This deposit, which isi relatively thin, overlies gypsiferous beds of Permian or Triassic age. Some oil well locations have been made in Torrance County. A water well of the A., T. & S. P. at "Willard reached a red sandstone at 312 feet. At Lucy a well penetrated alternating layers of red clay and limestone and entered black shale at 350. Gas in wells is reported in several instances along a line pass- ing southeasterly from Manzano to the south line of the county in the foothills of Gallinas Mountains. Mr. Whitelow, who has drilled many water wells in this part of the country, says ' ' the gas-bearing sand belt is about a mile wide" along this line. In a well drilled by him, called the "Gallina," or "Simpson," well, located on or near sec. 17, T. 1 N., R. 10 E., a strong showing of gas was struck at a depth of 800 to 860 feet. Pavorable structures appear in this locality. Wells are reported to be drilling at Duran and near Manzano. • Union County The surface is, in general, a high plain through which nu- merous streams have cut their valleys toward the east and southeast. Remnants of the former relatively level surface form broad areas of fertile land between the main drainage valleys. Large areas, mainly in the northern part, are covered with lava beds, flat and barren. In general, the uppermost formation in the county is a thin Tertiary limestone or caliche. This formation is underlain, in the northwestern part of the county, by Cretaceous sediments. Probably over the major portion of the county Triassic beds immediately underlie the Tertiary. These beds outcrop along 40 THE OIL SITUATION the deeper valleys to a depth of 300 or 400 feet, and, in the southern part of the county, form the main surface rocks. A number of structures have been determined. Several of these form a general north and south uplift from the southern part of the county along the vicinity of Ute Creek to T. 25 N., R. 28 E. Mr. C. W. Buskirk has located four of these as follows: the Pasamonte structure, in parts of townships 22, 23, and 24 N., ranges 30 and 31 E. ; the Baca structure, covering parts of townships 19, 20, and 21 N., ranges 30 and 31 E. ; the Gallegos structure, in townships 16, 17, and 18 N., ranges 30 and 31 E. ; the Bryantine structure, in townships 14 and 15 N., ranges 30, 31, 32, and 33 E. A fifth structure prominent in the eastern part of Colfax County reaches across the line into T. 25 N., R. 28 E. This is known as the Palo Alto structure. Another structure is reported in the valley of the Cimarron River, see. 6, T. 31 N., R. 33 E. At least two of these structures have been tested by deep drill- ings. The United Oil Co. has completed a well in the N. W. % N. W. 14 sec. 6, T. 31 N., R. 33 E. This is called the Baker well. No. 2. It is located on the east flank of the dome, the upper formation being the Fountain series of the Triassic. Drilling began Feb. 5, 1919, and was abandoned Dec. 31, 1919, granite having been struck. Log of Baker Well No. 2 N. W. 1/4, N. W. % Sec. 6, T. 31 N., B. 33 E. Feet. Blue sand 0- 20 Blue sandy shale 60- 68 Sand — little water 68- 108 Blue shale, hrown shale '. 108- 159 Red sand shale 159- 179 Hard coarse sand 179- 193 Red broken sand 193- 210 Hard red sand 210- 227 Red shale 227- 244 Red shale — hard lime 244- 259 Broken lime and sand 259- 271 Sandy red shale 271- 293 Broken lime and sand 293- 309 Red sandy lime 309- 319 Red sand — shale 319- 334 Red sand, shale, lime 334- 350 Red sandy lime •. 350- 365 Hard lime 365- 373 Broken lime" and red shale 373- 400 IN NEW MEXICO Red sandy shale 400- 416 Red shale, hard lime 416- 4'76 Red shale 476- 501 Hard sandy lime 501- 589 Broken shale and lime 589- 615 Blue shale 615- 652 Sand, shale, and lime 652- 680 Sharp sand 680- 695 Sand, blue shale 695-,. 720 Hard sand 720- 737 Hard sharp sand 737- 760 Sandy blue shale 760- 778 Broken lime and hard sand 778- 788 Soft and hard sand 788- 860 Water sand 860- 880 Red sand 880- 898 Red sand, hard lime 898- 903 Red sand, water sand 903- 920 Broken sand, water 920- 935 Red hard sand 935- 945 Red sandy shale 945- 960 Red hard sand 9'60- 970 Red sandy shale 970- 982 Hard sands, lime 982- 995 Red sand 995-1015 Red sandy shale 1015-1030 lied hard lime, broken 1030-1091 Soft sand — some water 1091-1157 Red water sand 1157-1172 Red sharp sand * 1172-1205 Hard lime and sand 1205-1211 Red hard lime and sand " 1211-1240 Red sand and lime shale 1240-1260 Red broken sandy shale 1260-1277 Red hard sand and lime 1277-1324 Red broken sand and lime 1324-1342 Red hard sand 1342-1357 Red sandy shale 1357-1372 Hard lime 1372-1376 Hard lime and sand 1376-1408 Red sandy shale 1408-1441 Hard red roclf 1441-1545 Red coarse sand ". .1545-1700 Red rock 1700-1927 Brown cave 1927-1948 Red cave 1948-1953 Red rock ; -.1953-1960 Red hard sandy lime 1960-1973 Hard white sandy lime 1973-2080 Red coarse lime 2080-2104 Bed sand — water 2104-2123 Red hard sand 2143-2146- Red sand 2146-2597 Dark sandy lime 2597-2647 Gray sandy lime 2639-2647 42 THE OIL SITUATION Dark gray sand 2647-2654 Pink sand 2654-2656 Pink sandy lime '. 2656-2660 Sand, pink-gray 2660-2663 Pink sand 2663-2670 Red sand 2670-2680 Red sand 2680-2725 A well known as Baca well, No. 1, was drilled on the Baca structure by the American Producer's Corporation. This struc- ture lies along Ute Creek valley, and the well is located on the west bank of Ute Creek, S. W. % N. W. % sec. 32, T. 20 N., R. 31 E. A succession of red beds, similar to that found m the Baker well, was penetrated to a depth of about 2,200 feet. A very strong flow of non-combustible gas was struck in this well. The Buffalo Oil Syndicate is drilling on the Odiorne farm in the S. E. corner sec. 3, T. 24 N., R. 36 B. No log was obtainable. This well is located on a prominent portion of the Llano Esta- cado, about 12 miles southeast of Clayton. Valencia County The county lies in the Plateau region. Its surface includes a variety of rough topography. The Zuni uplift covers the northwest corner. This immense dome is formed of a granite mass with surrounding uplifted beds of Carboniferous sediments through which it has pushed its way. Mt. Taylor, with its environs of lava-flows, is scarcely separate from the great ig- neous outflow that extends southwest across the center of the county, embracing more than a dozen townships. Many lava- topped mesas occupy a large part of the eastern end of the county. Succeeding this to the west is a narrow strip of Car- boniferous, followed by a belt of Triassic beds 20 miles wide. A corresponding belt of Triassic covers the western end of the county as well as surrounding the Zuni uplift, forming the outer rim of the general area of the San Juan Basin. Cre- taceous sediments cover most of the central portion that is not overlain by lava beds. The general structure of the county is a U-shaped synclinal basin, the Zuni uplift destroying its uninterrupted connection with the main San Juan Basin. The Red Lake anticline, a structure appearing in the Puerte- cito district, is described by Prof. E. H. "Wells in his report on the region. The structure occurs in sees. 3, 4, 9, and 10, T. 4 N., R. 7 W. IN NEW MEXICO 43 No oil wells have been drilled in Valencia County, as far as is known. SUMMARY "We have considered the oil situation in each county o£ the state. Reports have been received of some 50 wells, located in at least 19 counties. Other wells have been drilled, or are drill- ing, from which no data have been received. Drilling is espe- cially active in the eastern third of the state, in the San Juan Basin, and the Tularosa Basin. No wells can be said to be really producing oil at the present time, although a few have produced a few barrels daily for a limited time. However, the efforts now being put forth by oil companies are, in many in- stances, thorough, and are calculated to demonstrate definitely the presence or absence of oil in the most favorable localities. The combined results of these efforts can not fail eventually to give a decisive answer concerning the possible productivity of the state. The Pennsylvanian formation probably underlies the greater portion of the state. It is observable at the surface where up- lifts have exposed the edges of underlying sediments, but over a large part of the area it is buried deeply beneath later de- posits. In the eastern half of the state deposits of the Red Beds are 1,000 to 3,000 feet thick. Owing to the absence of organic remains in these rocks, oil would not be expected in them. The showings of oil in this region seem to come from the upper part of the underlying Pennsylvanian deposits.. The thickness of Pennsylvanian deposits under the Red Beds has scarcely been demonstrated, although several deep drillings in the northern part of the region have penetrated to granite at a depth of 4,000 feet or less. It is not surprising that traces of oil should occur at certain horizons in Pennsylvanian rocks in this region. The many apparently favorable structures occurring in the northeast part of the state probably may not be depended on for the accumulation of oil. N'umerous tests will be necessary to demonstrate the uniform origin of these uplifts, whether or not they are due to granitic intrusions, and if they are oil- bearing. In the San Juan Basin the traces of oil occur at rather shallow depths in Cretaceous formations. The outlook here is more favorable than in the eastern part of the state and.it is not 44 THE OIL SITUATION unlikely that further tests may lead to the discovery of areas of moderate productivity. The Tularosa Basin and similar areas in the southwestern part of the state have not been exploited to any great extent. The prevailing desert conditions and the difficulty of determining structure due to the level, sand-covered condition of surface have delayed development. It is not unlikely that some small deposits of oil may be discovered in this portion of the state. The prospects seem at least as favorable as for the Pecos Valley to the east. The highly-colored propaganda of certain corporations would lead the public to believe New Mexico is to become a rival of the mid-Continent field. Their literature is intended to induce the overtrustful mortal to make a ready investment in oil stock. Every effort is made to bring about a wild and head- long excitement over the mlarvelous wealth about to be discov- ered in a certain area, where conditions are "just like those in the Ranger field," etc. Little regard is paid to setting forth the facts as far as they are known. It is not likely that New Mexico will be a large producer of oil. The conditions of stratigraphy and the present showing of drill-holes do not indicate the presence of great deposits. How- ever, encouragement should be given to efforts being put forth to demonstrate successfully the actual conditions. New Mexico is undoubtedly a state of immense mineral wealth. It is already apparent that the present progress in mining is only the beginning of the development of the state's resources. "While so much attention is being given to the matter of oil production in the state, more attention should be given to the conservation and the exploitation of those re- sources which are plainly accessible and whose utility is greater than all of the production of petroleum probable for the state. The irrigation question is an important one in New Mexico. The possibilities resting in artesian water for this purpose are becoming evident. What is being done in the Pecos Valley may be paralleled in others of the southern counties. A well recently drilled for oil in eastern Luna County encountered five strong flows of water above 700 feet depth. IN NEW MEXICO 45 APPENDIX FOURTH LEGISLATURE STATE OF NEW MEXICO HOUSE BILL No. 186 (As amended) AN ACT- Providing for the Leasing of State Lands for Mineral Purposes, and Providing for the Issuance of Limited Patents for Mineral Lands and for Other Purposes. Be It Enacted by thff-Legislature of the State of New Mexico: Section 1. The Oommissioner of Public Lands is hereby authorized to issue leases for the exploration, development and production of coal, oil and gas, and other minerals on any State lands upon such terms and conditions as he may deem to be .for the best interests of the State and prescribed by the terms of this Act. Such leases shall run for a maximum term of ten (10) years, or as long thereafter as mineral in paying quantities shall be produced from the leased lands. The mini- mum rental for oil and gas leases shall be One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) per annum, and the minimum rental for leases for other minerals shall be Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) per annum. On all oil and gas leases the State shall receive a royalty of not less than one-eighth ( % ) of the oil and gas produced and saved from the leased lands, or the cash value thereof, payable monthly. The leassee of said lands for coal mining purposes shall be required to pay such rental as the Com- missioner may demand, and in addition thereto a royalty of not less than ten cents (10c) per ton on all coal produced, payable monthly. In all other forms of mineral leases, ^the State shall receive not less than five (5) per cent of the net proceeds derived from the sale of minerals produced on the land after transportation and treatment charges are deducted. Section 2. The Commissioner of Public Lands shall prescribe the minimum rental to be paid by all lessees of State mineral lands and the minimum rental agreed upon shall be paid whether the lands are operated for minerals or not. Lessees shall bo required to submit annual reports showing in detail their operations for the preceding year, and such reports shall be verified by the oath of the lessee or his authorized agent. False and fraudulent statements wilfully made in any such report shall subject the person making the same to the penalties prescri^d by law for the crime of perjury. Section 3. State lands sold heretofore, or which may be sold hereafter on any deferred payments plan under contract containing a reservation to the State of the minerals therein contained, the full amount of the purchase price not having been paid, or patent not having been issed, may be leased by the State as in this Act provided in the same manner as other State lands; PROVIDED, that before any lease shall be issued for lands which have been sold, the applicant shall file with the Commissioner of Public Lands a good and sufficient bond or undertaking, to be approved by the Commissioner, in favor of the State of New Mexico, for the use and benefit of the purcjiaser of such lands his grantees or successors in interest, to secure the payment to such purchaser or his successors for such damage to the livestock, range, water, crops or tangible improvements of the purchaser or his successors in interest as may be determined and fixed in any action brought upon the bond or undertaking in a court of compe- tent jurisdiction against the principal and sureties thereon resulting from the use of and operations on the land by such mineral lessee of his successors in interest PROVIDED FURTHER, that if any such purchaser shall file with the Com- missioner a waiver, duly executed by him, of his right to require such bond, the Oommissioner may issue a mineral lease without requiring the lessee to furnish the bond herein provided. Section 4. Where State lands have been sold heretofore, or may be sold hereafter on any deferred paymnet plan uiider contract containing a reservation to the State of the minerals therein contained and before the payment of the total purchase price, such lands shall have been leased for mineral purposes as in this Act provided; or where before the payment of the full amount of the purchase price shall have been made or patent issued, the land shall be known, classified or reported as mineral lands, or where by reason of proximity to known mineral lands 46 THE OIL SITUATION or productive oil or gas wells, the Commissioner of Public Lands shall deem such lands to be of probable mineral character and valuable as such, he shall make proper notation on the records of his office, de?ig:nating the said lands as mineral lands The Commissioner of Public Lands is hereby authorized to issue to the purchaser of any such mineral lands or lands so classified as minerl, upon full payment of the purchase price according to the terms of the contract, a limited patent only, which shall contain reservation to the state of New Mexico of all the m.inera]8 in the said lands, together with the right to the State or its grantees, to prospect for, mine and remove the same; and such lands shall, notwithstanding the issuance of such patent, be subject to lease under the provisions of this Act; Provided, that no lease for such lands shall be issued and no person shall be authorized to prospect for, mine or remove any minerals until an indemnity bond shall be given or waiver of the same filed, as set forth in Section 3 of this Act. Section 5. All laws or parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, and this Act shall be in force from and after its passage and approval. Section 6. That it is necessary for the preservation^ of the peace, health and safety of the inhabitants of the State of New Mexico that the provisions of this Act shall become effective at the earliest possible date, and hereby an emergency is declared to exist and this Act shall be enforced and in effect from and after its passage and approval. Approved March 17, 1919. INDEX Alamosa Creek Valley, Geology of, 9 Albuquerque, well near, 14 American Producers Corporation, 22 Angelus Oil Mining Association, 22 Angelus well, 22 Artesian wells, 13, 14, 44 B Baca structure, 40 Baca well No. 1, 42 Baker well No. 2, log of, 40 Belt well, 7, 18 Bernalillo County, 14 Black River, well near, 18 Bluebird well, 18 Board of Regents, 15 Bolson plains, 12 Branson, J. F., 24 Brown well, 7, 18 Bryantine structure, 40 Buchanan well, 16 Buffalo Oil & Gas Co., 20 Buffalo Oil Syndicate, 42 ^uskirk, C. W., 40 O Canadian River, 9, 11, 27 Carlsbad, well near, 18 Carter Oil Co. well, 24 Chaco, Rio, 32 Chama, oil seeps near, 32 Chama River, 30 . Chaves County, 14 Chupadera Mesa, 38 Clayton, well near, 42 Colfax County, 15 Colorado Plateau, 13 Columbus, 'well near, 23 Continental Oil Co., 30 Cox Oil Co., 27 Cuervo, structures near, 19 Curry County, 16 D Dahl, John, 31. Darton, N. H., 8 Datil, well near, 37 Dayton, 13, 18 De Baca County, 16 Decker well, 16 Deming, 22 Dona Ana County, 17 E Eddy County, 17 Elida, 15 El Paso, well near, 17 Encino Basin, 39 Endee Oil & Gas Co. well, 29 Escondido station, well near, 27 Estancia Valley, 14, 36, 38 Estelle & Kelley, 37 F Farmington Times-Hustler, 35 Farmington well, 35, 36 Florida Oil Co., 22 Florida well, 22 French anticline, 16 G Gallegos structure, 40 "Gallina" (or Simpson) well, 39 Gardner, J. H., 26 Gas in wells, 18, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 42 Grant County, 19 Grants, structure near, 25 Gray, Chas. F., 21 Great Plains, 11 Great Western Oil & Refining Co., 16 Guadalupe County, 19 H Hammond well, 7 Harkey well, 17 Hidalgo County, 20 Hill, David S., 5, 6 I Illinois Producers well No. 1, 18 Illinois Producers well No. 2, 18 Isleta, well near, 14 J Jemez River valley, 32 Jones, Payette A., 5, 7, 35 Jornado del Muerto, 36 K Kansas-Carlsbad Oil Co., 18 Kansas-New Mexico Oil Co., 18 Kelley & Estelle, 37 Kenna well, 15 Knox, John K., 9, 20 Li Lake Arthur well, 15 Lakewood, wel' near, 18 La Lande well, 16 Lea County, 20 Leasing of state lands, etc., bill providing for, 45 Lincoln County, 21 Looney ranch, 30 Lordsburg, well near, 20 Los Estaritos dome, 20 Luna County, 21 M Malaga, well near, 18 Manzano Mts., 38 Martinez, J. R., 30 McGee well No. 1,27 McGee well No. 2, 28. McKinley County, 23 McKlnley County Oil Co. well, 25 48 THE OIL SITUATION Mesa Oil Co. of Portales, 31 Mesa Verde Oil Co. well No. 1, 32 Mesa Verda Oil Co. No. 2, 34 Mimbres River, 21 Moquay Co., 30 Mora County, 26 Mt. Taylor, 42 Mulholland, Gus, 25 N National Exploration Co. wells, 15, 16 New Mexico, oil prospects in, 7 New Mexico Petroleum & Refining Co., 18 Nu-Mex Oil Co. well, 31 O Odiorne farm, 42 Oil development, history of, 13 Oil prospects In New Mexico, 7 Ojo Caliente, locations near, 38 Olean-New Mexico Oil Co., 27 Oliver & Sullivan, 16 Orchard Park well, 15 Oscuro, well at, 21 Otero County, 2 6 P Palo AJto structure, 40 Park mountains, 11 Park View, location near, 30 Pasamonte structure, 40 Pecos River, 11, 13, 17 Pecos River Oil & Gas Co., 18 Pecos Valley, 14 Pedernal, Hills of, 38 Pedernal Mt., 38 Petaca, oil seeps near, 31 Phoenix Syndicate, 24 Picacho, well near, Pinos Wells Basin, 39 Plateau province, 10, 12 Pool Oil & Gas Co., 18 Pueblo Bonito Indian Agency, 25 Portales Valley, 31 Puerco Valley, 14 Puertecito district, 8, 37, 42 Q Qiiay County, 27 Quay structure, 30 Quemado, well near, 37 R Rana well, 29 Raton Mesa region, 15 Red Beds, 14, 43 Red Lake anticline, 52 Reid-Penumex Oil & Gas Co., 29 Richardson, G. B., 7, 13 Rio Arriba County Rio Chaco, 32 Romero dome, 36 Romero Dome Oil Syndicate, 36 Roosevelt County, 31 Roosevelt Oil Corporation well No. 1, 31 Ruby Oil Co., 24 S San Augustine Plains, 37 Sandla Mts., 14, 32 Sandoval County, 31 San Juan Basin, 13, 23, 32, 42, 43 San Juan County, 32 San Jon well, 28 San Miguel County, 36 Santa Pe County, 36 Santa Rosa, 19 Santa Rosa-Tueumcari region, 10 Seven Lakes region, 13, 23 Sherian, Jo E., 8 Sierra County, 36 Sink holes, 19, 31 Socorro County, 37 Southwestern Tularosa Basin Oil Co., 26 Stacker, S. P., 25 Staked Plains, 20, 27 Standard Petroleum Corporation, 29 Structure, indicated by artesian well logs, 15 T Taos County, 38 Tinnie, structures near, 21 Tolar well, 31 Torrance County, 38 Tularosa, well near, 26 Tularosa Basin, 26, 27, 43, 44 Tucumcari, 27 Tucumcari Oil & Gas Co., 27 r Union County, 39 United Oil Co. well, 40 Ute Creek, 40, 42 V Valencia County, 42 Valley Oil Co., 23 Valmont station, well near, 26 Valmont-Tularosa Basin Oil Co., 26 Vermejo Park structure, 16 Von Hagen Oil Corporation, 37 Von Hagen well No. 1, 37 W Weher, John A. 35 Wells, Prof. E. H., 8, 37, 42 Whitelow, driller, 39 Willard. A. T. & S. F. well at, 39 Williams, E. T., 30, 35 Winchester, Dean E., 9, 37 Z Zuni uplift, 13, 23, 42 Missing Page WM