Géologie et exploration

Section (US land)

Comprendre la "Section" dans le Pétrole et le Gaz : Un Parcelle de 640 Acres de Potentiel

Dans le monde de l'exploration pétrolière et gazière, "section" est un terme fréquemment utilisé, souvent accompagné de discussions sur l'acreage et les droits miniers. Mais qu'est-ce que cela signifie exactement ?

Une "section", dans le contexte du pétrole et du gaz, fait référence à une **parcelle de terrain de forme carrée mesurant 1 mile par 1 mile, soit 640 acres**. Cette unité de mesure provient du **Système de levé des terres publiques (PLSS)**, une méthode systématique utilisée par le gouvernement américain pour diviser et arpenter les terres.

**Voici une explication de la façon dont le système fonctionne :**

  • Township : Un township est une zone carrée mesurant 6 miles par 6 miles, englobant 36 sections.
  • Range : Les ranges s'étendent en lignes nord-sud, parallèlement aux méridiens principaux, et sont numérotées à l'est et à l'ouest du méridien.
  • Numéro de section : Chaque section au sein d'un township se voit attribuer un numéro de 1 à 36, suivant un modèle spécifique.

**Pourquoi "section" est-elle importante dans le pétrole et le gaz ?**

  • Propriété : Les sections définissent les limites de la propriété foncière, ce qui est crucial pour identifier les droits miniers.
  • Exploration et développement : Les compagnies pétrolières et gazières utilisent les informations sur les sections pour cartographier et comprendre les formations géologiques sous la surface, identifiant ainsi des sites de forage potentiels.
  • Bail : Les propriétaires fonciers peuvent louer leurs droits miniers au sein d'une section à des compagnies pétrolières et gazières pour l'exploration et le développement.

**Comprendre les "640 acres"**

  • Une section équivaut à 640 acres, ce qui représente une quantité importante de terre.
  • Cette grande superficie permet une exploration et un développement étendus au sein d'une seule section.
  • Cependant, l'acreage spécifique disponible pour le forage peut varier en fonction de facteurs tels que les infrastructures existantes, les réglementations environnementales et la propriété de la surface.

**Au-delà des bases**

  • Fractions : Les sections peuvent être divisées en unités plus petites appelées "quarts de section" (160 acres), "demi-sections" (320 acres), etc.
  • Descriptions légales : Les descriptions légales des propriétés pétrolières et gazières utilisent souvent les numéros de section, le township et la range pour identifier avec précision l'emplacement.

En conclusion, la compréhension du concept de "section" est cruciale pour naviguer dans les complexités de l'industrie pétrolière et gazière. Cette unité de mesure fondamentale fournit un cadre clair pour comprendre la propriété foncière, les zones d'exploration et le développement potentiel au sein d'un emplacement géographique spécifique.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Understanding "Section" in Oil & Gas

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the size of a section in oil and gas terminology?

a) 160 acres

Answer

Incorrect. This is the size of a quarter-section.

b) 320 acres

Answer

Incorrect. This is the size of a half-section.

c) 640 acres

Answer

Correct! A section is a square parcel of land measuring 1 mile by 1 mile, which is equal to 640 acres.

d) 1 square mile

Answer

Incorrect. While a section is 1 square mile, the question asks for the acreage.

2. Which of the following systems is used to define sections in oil and gas?

a) The Global Positioning System (GPS)

Answer

Incorrect. GPS is a system for determining location but not for defining land parcels.

b) The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM)

Answer

Incorrect. BIPM deals with international standards for measurement but not land surveying.

c) The Public Land Survey System (PLSS)

Answer

Correct! The PLSS is a systematic method for dividing and surveying land, defining sections.

d) The Meridian and Township System

Answer

Incorrect. This is a part of the PLSS, not a separate system.

3. What is the relationship between a township and a section?

a) A township is a smaller unit than a section.

Answer

Incorrect. A township is larger than a section.

b) A township is a larger unit than a section.

Answer

Correct! A township consists of 36 sections.

c) Townships and sections are the same size.

Answer

Incorrect. They are different sizes.

d) Townships and sections are unrelated.

Answer

Incorrect. Sections are part of townships.

4. Why is the concept of "section" important in oil and gas exploration?

a) To determine the exact location of drilling rigs.

Answer

Incorrect. While drilling locations are defined within sections, the question asks for a broader importance.

b) To identify property ownership and mineral rights.

Answer

Correct! Sections define land boundaries and ownership, which is crucial for mineral rights.

c) To calculate the cost of oil and gas extraction.

Answer

Incorrect. While section size can influence extraction costs, it's not the primary reason for its importance.

d) To understand the geological formations of the Earth's crust.

Answer

Incorrect. While sections help in understanding geological formations, they are not the primary factor.

5. What is the maximum acreage available for drilling within a section?

a) 160 acres

Answer

Incorrect. This is the size of a quarter-section.

b) 320 acres

Answer

Incorrect. This is the size of a half-section.

c) 640 acres

Answer

Incorrect. While a section is 640 acres, the available acreage for drilling can vary.

d) It varies depending on factors like infrastructure, regulations, and ownership.

Answer

Correct! The actual drilling area can be less than the entire section due to various factors.

Exercise: Legal Description

Instructions: You are given a legal description of an oil and gas property:

"The NW 1/4 of Section 3, Township 2S, Range 1E"

Task:

  1. Draw a simple sketch of the section, highlighting the specific area described.
  2. Calculate the acreage of the described area.

Exercice Correction

1. Sketch: - Draw a square representing Section 3. - Divide the square into four equal quadrants (NW, NE, SW, SE). - Shade the NW quadrant to represent the described area. 2. Calculation: - A full section is 640 acres. - The NW 1/4 of a section represents one-fourth of the total acreage. - Therefore, the acreage of the described area is 640 acres / 4 = **160 acres**.


Books

  • The Public Land Survey System: A User's Guide: By Ronald D. Albers and Robert W. Marx. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the PLSS, including its history, principles, and applications.
  • Oil and Gas Law in a Nutshell: By Stephen P. Zagaris. This book offers a concise and insightful overview of the legal framework surrounding oil and gas exploration and development, including the concept of mineral rights and leasing.

Articles

  • Understanding the Public Land Survey System (PLSS): This article from the US Bureau of Land Management provides a clear and concise explanation of the PLSS, including its history, key terms, and how to interpret maps.
  • Oil and Gas Terminology: Section: This article from the Texas Oil and Gas Association defines the term "section" in the context of oil and gas exploration and provides examples of its usage.

Online Resources

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM): https://www.blm.gov/ The BLM website provides access to a wealth of information about the PLSS, including maps, surveys, and legal documents.
  • Texas Oil and Gas Association (TXOGA): https://www.txoga.org/ The TXOGA website provides educational resources and information on the oil and gas industry in Texas, including definitions of key terms and explanations of common practices.

Search Tips

  • "PLSS" + "oil and gas": This search query will lead you to resources specifically focused on the PLSS as it relates to the oil and gas industry.
  • "section" + "land description" + "oil and gas": This search query will provide information on how sections are used in legal descriptions for oil and gas properties.
  • "mineral rights" + "section": This search query will lead you to resources discussing the relationship between mineral rights and section boundaries.

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