In 1986, which type of well accounted for about 15 percent of U.S. oil production?

In 1986, which type of well accounted for about 15 percent of U.S. oil production?

• A. Deepwater wells
• B. Conventional wells
• C. Stripper wells
• D. Shale wells

Answer: (C)

Stripper wells illustrate how many small producers can add up to a significant share of total output. Each stripper well produces only a small amount of oil, but there are thousands of them in mature onshore fields. Their collective production was about fifteen percent of U.S. oil output in 1986, which fits the idea that a large fleet of low-rate wells can drive a notable portion of production. Deepwater wells, while capable of large volumes, are relatively few; conventional wells form the majority of production but don’t capture the idea of many low-yield wells; shale wells were not a major contributor to U.S. oil supply at that time.

Stripper wells illustrate how many small producers can add up to a significant share of total output. Each stripper well produces only a small amount of oil, but there are thousands of them in mature onshore fields. Their collective production was about fifteen percent of U.S. oil output in 1986, which fits the idea that a large fleet of low-rate wells can drive a notable portion of production. Deepwater wells, while capable of large volumes, are relatively few; conventional wells form the majority of production but don’t capture the idea of many low-yield wells; shale wells were not a major contributor to U.S. oil supply at that time.