The Geology of the Oil-field Belt of S.W. Iran and Iraq.

Abstract

The Near East is steadily growing in importance as an oil producing region. Present annual production-rates in the various countries are (in round figures) as follows. S.W. Iran 10,000,000 tons, Iraq 4,000,000 tons, Bahrein and the N.E. coast of Arabia 1,000,000 tons, Egypt 600,000 tons. In addition, recently discovered oil-fields are being developed, and active exploration of extensive areas is proceeding in these countries and in Syria, Palestine, and Sinai. The oil possibilities of this immense region are, naturally, not of equal order throughout, but a success in one area draws attention to all geologically related provinces, at least for first-stage exploration.