What term describes a well that cannot produce oil or gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion?

• A. Gusher
• B. Water Well
• C. Oil Play
• D. Dry Hole

Answer: (D)

When evaluating a drilled well, the key idea is whether it can be brought into production in a financially viable way. A well that is drilled to the target depth but does not show enough oil or gas to justify the cost of completing and tying it into production is called a dry hole. The term captures the idea of a non-commercial result from the drill bit, even though hydrocarbons may have been encountered.

This fits because a gusher is a well that flows oil or gas rapidly, which is the opposite scenario. A water well is just a source of water, not hydrocarbons. An oil play describes a geological region with potential oil resources, not the outcome of a single well. So dry hole is the best label for a well that won’t be completed due to insufficient production.