This well, drilled in 1983, at a cost of $2B, was the most expensive dry hole to date.

This well, drilled in 1983, at a cost of $2B, was the most expensive dry hole to date.

• A. Arctic Discovery
• B. Mukluk, Alaska
• C. North Slope, Alaska
• D. Gulf Coast Prospect

Answer: (B)

This question tests your recall of a famous exploration milestone: the most expensive dry hole drilled in the early 1980s. The well named Mukluk, Alaska, was drilled in 1983 and cost about $2 billion, making it the most expensive dry hole up to that date. The term “dry hole” means no commercially producible hydrocarbons were found, so despite the enormous investment, it did not yield oil or gas. The Arctic environment of Alaska’s North Slope contributed to the high costs—difficult logistics, harsh weather, and the need for specialized equipment and support. The other options refer to regions or other wells, but Mukluk is the specific well famous for that astronomical price tag.

This question tests your recall of a famous exploration milestone: the most expensive dry hole drilled in the early 1980s. The well named Mukluk, Alaska, was drilled in 1983 and cost about $2 billion, making it the most expensive dry hole up to that date. The term “dry hole” means no commercially producible hydrocarbons were found, so despite the enormous investment, it did not yield oil or gas. The Arctic environment of Alaska’s North Slope contributed to the high costs—difficult logistics, harsh weather, and the need for specialized equipment and support. The other options refer to regions or other wells, but Mukluk is the specific well famous for that astronomical price tag.