Chapter 7 Summary and Analysis

Ghawar, the world's most productive oil reserve of all time, has been yielding the bulk of Saudi Arabia's oil since 1951, producing more than 55 billion barrels of oil. The 174-mile -long oil field covers more than 2,000 square miles. In the past years, Ghawar has accounted for 50-65 percent of Saudi Arabia's oil production - and continues to bear this burden. In 2004, after 20 years of secrecy, Saudi Aramco officials reveal that Ghawar continues to be Saudi Arabia's largest producer. Although Ghawar has encountered various water problems, those problems are under control. Saudi Aramco officials express great confidence in Ghawar's long-term sustainability, but the facts paint a gloomier picture. Ghawar, although considered to be one large oil field, is made up of several sites. The northern sites, including Shedgum, 'Ain Dar and north Uthmaniyah have always been more productive than the rest of the...