Following on the heels to the Barnett Shale bonanza, the Fayetteville Shale play in northern Arkansas is the second-largest gas shale play in the United States.

The formation covers some 9,000 sq miles, about half of that highly prospective. It lies at depths from 1,000 to 7,000 ft deep and ranges from 20 to 200 ft thick. It also offers a great break for operator expenses. The thickest part of the shale lies in the shallower area, and the central part of the play in Conway, Van Buren and White ...