Oil and gas drilling started in Texas back in 1894 when oil was struck at Corsicana in the course of attempting to drill the town’s water well. This initial discovery was soon followed by the renowned Spindletop gusher just outside of Beaumont in 1901. Producing more than 17 million barrels of oil in its 2^nd year of production, Spindletop gave birth to a massive wave of oil and gas exploration across the state. Soon wells were springing up all over the state, as drillers furiously attempted to pump as much of the black gold out of the ground as possible. Oil and gas drilling became an integral part of the Texas economy, eventually outpacing the State’s prolific cattle, cotton, and timber industries.

It is believed that Texas holds as much as one-third of the entire oil supply in the U.S., with approximately 8 billion barrels of known petroleum deposits. Texas’ rich oil reserves are thanks in large part to the seas of the Paleozoic through Cenozoic Eras, which left in their wake plant and animal life that over millions of years decayed into the oil and gas we now extract. With their expansive knowledge of Texas’ geologic history and formation, Texas geophysicists play a vital role in helping oil companies analyze potential petroleum reserves, maximizing the potential for successful oil exploration and drilling.

The Drilling and Geophysics Society of Dallas is a professional society for Texas geophysicists engaged in the Texas oil and gas industry. Our purpose is to enrich and engage members’ careers with educational meetings and seminars, advancing their professional interests and encouraging industry best practices. Additionally, members have the benefit of attending a large number of social gatherings, including our annual golf tournament and Christmas party, which offer ample opportunities for networking.

If you are interested in joining, please fill out the form on the contact page and we will be in touch!