Barnett Shale FAQs

Drilling for Natural Gas Reserves in the Barnett Shale

How large is the Barnett Shale?

The Barnett Shale formation is estimated to stretch from the city of Fort Worth west, covering 5,000 square miles (13,000 km²) and at least 17 counties. (Wikopedia)

Which is the most prolific Barnett Shale field in the Fort Worth basin?

The Newark East Field, the core Barnett Shale producing area in Wise and Denton counties, is now one of the very largest gas fields in Texas. Some 900 wells are currently producing more than 400 million cubic feet of gas per day from the Mississippian-age, organic-rich source rock.

What is the estimated Barnett Shale Reserves?

According to the NPR, there is 30 Trillion Cubic Feet of gas in the Barnett Shale, enough to satisfy the country for one year.

How many companies are drilling in the Barnett Shale?

There are over 60 companies participating in the play with 55 rigs actively targeting the Barnett Shale. (EnergyConnect)

When was the first well drilled in the Barnett Shale?

The first well was drilled in the Barnett Shale in 1981. (EnergyConnect)

How long will the wells be in place?

That depends on the amount of natural gas found in the adjacent area. A very good well can continue extracting natural gas for 10 to 15 years or longer. (City of Fort Worth.org)