Mid-Continent oil province facts for kids

Map of the Mid-continent Oil Field

The Mid-continent oil field is a very large area in the central United States. It includes many oil fields spread across states like Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. This huge oil region was first discovered and started being used in the early 1900s. The oil found here is a special type, often called "mixed base" or "intermediate." This means it's a blend of two other kinds of oil: paraffin base and asphalt base.

What is the Mid-continent Oil Field?

The Mid-continent oil field is not just one big oil well, but a collection of hundreds of smaller oil fields. These fields are found in different kinds of rock layers deep underground. Oil gets trapped in these layers in various ways, which geologists call "trap types." When oil is found, it's called "crude oil." The crude oil from this area is a mix of different types, making it unique.

Images for kids

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  Map of the Caddo oil field in Louisiana