Core Samples Studied in Russian Bazhenov Field

Almost half a century ago, the Bazhenov shale oil field was accidentally discovered in a swampy area located in West Siberia. Today, work is rapidly progressing toward developing what may be the largest shale oil resource not only in Russia but also in the world. An intense drilling push began in the spring following a promise by President Vladimir Putin to relax the Kremlin control of natural resource profits with a goal of spurring a shale revolution. Over the course of the past few decades, the field has been studied significantly. Numerous core samples for research have been taken from what was once called wild black stone in an effort to discover how much recoverable oil the Bazhenov field may hold.

The study of core samples for oil and gas research continues to be one of the most effective methods for determining the true potential for a prospective oil field. Whether they are core samples in Texas or Russia, this method can provide a wealth of information for developers, including the prospective profit potential for a field.