Rediscovering Old Oil Reserves in Appalachia

Cincinnati- Spurred by the nation’s relentless thirst for energy, geologists are suddenly taking a fresh look at the oldest oil-producing basin in the world.

They are wondering if Mother Nature stashed a jackpot in the cellar, down deep where the rocky roots of the Appalachian Mountains spread into Ohio.

With crude oil at almost $60 a barrel and gasoline selling for more than $2 a gallon, there has been a revival of exploration.

Don’t expect to see roughnecks and wildcatters wandering the countryside in Jeeps, kicking up dust and busting into interesting rock formations with dynamite and derricks.

This time around, 17 energy companies, Ohio and five other states, the U.S. Energy Department and the Ontario Petroleum Institute have formed a rare scientific consortium.

Cleveland Plain Dealer