Italian petroleum geology

Abstract

Petroleum exploration in Italy dates back to the mid-nineteenth century and was focused initially on the Apennines and Sicily, where frequent oil and gas seeps were known since ancient times (Fig. 29.1). The complex geology of these foldand-thrust belts was then poorly known. Geologic interpretation, when and where applied, was limited to the study of local surface features. The economic results of this early stage of exploration were disappointing, and oil production reached a maximum of 30,000 metric tons (220,000 bbl) per year in 1932.