Introduction leum, Ltd. for several important observations and corrections. Because of the need to have all papers This is one of many world reviews made by the available early in 1963, this paper presents data as author. In them he has emphasized one paramount of around the first of 1963. requirement for successful exploration, particularly in new basins or new areas. That requirement is an experienced insight into the basic geological con- Some Principal Developments ditions that are necessary for important oil occurrence. The point is further emphasized in the latter The observation which stands out with greatest part of this paper. emphasis is the rapid growth of interest in offshore operation. Scarcely six years ago one could count A review 16 years ago showed an active interest the countries with offshore activity on the fingers in exploration in 55 countries. The number has of one hand. Today at least 56, or half of the counsince more than doubled. 110 countries are reviewed tries, have offshore exploration or development in this paper. Some are small; others are vast in activities in some stage. About 12 area, even of continent dimensions. Though there O/o of the world's proved reserves lie offshore. It was but a few years are many details of great interest, this review can ago that depth of water was more seriously considerrelate only a few of the highlights of recent and ed than geology and the facts of oil occurrence. This current developments. The latter part of the paper situation is being rapidly reversed. Engineering will be devoted to examining the progress we are problems have a way of disappearing rapidly, as is making in our exploration methods, and some of the shown by the fantastic growth in development of important problems that need to be resolved. offshore equipment.
Many leading exploration people were called on There has been a much greater percentage of disto present their thoughts on exploration problems covery offshore than on land. One of the reasons is and needs in order that this paper might have more that usually surface indications or drilling onshore of the weight of a consensus than would one person's has shown the Sediments to be petroliferous. But a views. Nearly everyone responded with thoughtful much more important reason is that about 87 contributions, for which we may be grateful. Thanks O/o of the world's oil and gas reserves has been found in go also to the staffs of Shell Oil Company of Canada young, that is, Mesozoic-Tertiary Sediments. Beand of Petroleos Mexicanos for most of the data on cause of the manner in which the continents have those two countries. The author is grateful to Harry developed, these younger Sediments are, of course, Wassal181 Associates and to Standard Oil Co. (N. J.) largely in coastal basins. Many of these have their for various data, and also to the latter for aid in best development offshor
