Exploration, Geologic, and Geophysical Expense (Notes)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Costs Incurred, Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration, and Development Activities [Line Items]

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Industries Disclosures [Text Block]

EXPLORATION, GEOLOGIC, AND GEOPHYSICAL EXPENSE

The following table presents the major components of exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense:

	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	(in thousands)
Exploratory dry hole costs	$	41,187	$	—	$	41,187	$	—
Geological and geophysical costs, including seismic purchases	463		—		1,790		—
Operating, personnel and other	258		241		918		688
Total exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense	$	41,908	$	241	$	43,895	$	688

Exploratory dry hole costs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, two exploratory dry hole wells, associated lease costs, and related infrastructure assets in the Delaware Basin were expensed at a cost of $41.2 million. The conclusion to expense these items was due to the conclusion that the acreage on which these wells were drilled was exploratory in nature and, following drilling, the lack of hydrocarbon production necessary for the wells to be deemed economically viable.