SPWLA Glossary

To cease producing oil or gas from a well when it becomes unprofitable. A wildcat may be abandoned after it has been proved nonproductive. Sometimes, before a well is abandoned, some of the casing is removed and salvaged. Usually, one or more cement plugs are placed in the borehole to prevent migration of fluids between the various formations. In many states, abandonment must be approved by an official regulatory agency before being undertaken.