Abstract The Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) at the University of Texas at Austin has
conducted a comprehensive study of the reserve and production potential of the Barnett
shale. It integrates engineering, geology, and economics into a numerical model that allows
for scenario testing based on several technical and economic parameters. The study
assesses natural gas and liquid production potential in 10 productivity tiers and uses them to
forecast future production. Development economics vary widely across the basin as a …

• Geologic mapping of porosity (PhiH) and net pay-zone thickness across the entire play.
PhiH was determined to be a key driver of well productivity.• Calculation of volumetric
original free gas in place (OGIPfree) of 444 Tcf for the 8,000-sq-mile study area.• Technically
recoverable resources for each square mile ranging from about 100 Bcf/sq mile in the top
tiers to less than 20 Bcf/sq mile in the lower tiers, and field wide technically recoverable
resources of about 86 Tcf.