The main objective
of the acquisition and analysis of G&G data is the development of maps
identifying areas favorable for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. This
is done by incorporating the data acquired through G&G surveys
plus analyzing technical information to develop a basic knowledge of the
geologic history of an area and its effects on hydrocarbon or
strategic/critical minerals generation, distribution, and accumulation
within the planning area.
The primary source
of the G&G data and information used by the Resource Evaluation Program
is the oil and gas industry, which conducts exploration, development,
and production activities on OCS lands. The MMS issues permits to
industry for collecting pre-lease as well as post-lease G&G
data. Resource Evaluation Program approves the permits of pre-lease data
acquisition, while other MMS programs (e.g. Offshore Regulatory Program)
issue permits for post-lease data collection. Permittees, as well as
lessees, and operators are required by regulations to provide certain
G&G data and information to MMS. The MMS selectively obtains copies of
data acquired in these pre-lease activities. Permittees and lessees are
normally reimbursed by MMS for only the cost of data reproduction.
However, if industry has collected data in areas not under MMS
jurisdiction, e.g., State waters or adjacent foreign waters, and MMS
selects such data, MMS pays the significantly higher "market price" for
obtaining copies of such data. The extensive amount of data and
information acquired by MMS is used by RE geologists, geophysicists,
petroleum engineers, modelers and IT specialists to perform a variety
of analyses leading to resource evaluation, reserve inventory as well as
determining fair market value of the auctioned tracts.
