EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this
Registration Statement and related Prospectus for the registration of up to
$1.5 billion of securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our
report dated March 14, 2003, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Apache Corporation included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2002, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                            /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Houston, Texas
May 22, 2003