Almanacs 45106

Commerce &
Agriculture
920
Commerce in Oklahoma
According to the Oklahoma State University 2011 Economic Outlook, Oklahoma lost 80,000
non-farm job during 2009 and 2010 as a result of the ongoing recession. One-time monies
have allowed Oklahoma City to weather the recession ahead of Tulsa, but the state’s Rainy
Day Fund has been tapped and additional federal stimulus dollars coming into the state
are unlikely. Unemployment rates remain elevated by Oklahoma standards, but well below
national rates. In December 2010, Oklahoma’s unemployment rate was 6.8 percent down
from 7.3 percent in December 2009. The unemployment rate for the nation in December
2010 was 9.4 percent, down from 9.9 percent in December 2009.
Oklahoma’s Hardest Hit Industries

The hardest hit industries in Oklahoma during this recession is mining, construction, and
manufacturing. The mining industry has experienced a collapse of oil and natural gas prices
in 2009 and 2010. In addition the regulatory uncertainty has stalled the mining activity. Okla-
homa’s mining employment numbers are edging upward in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City area.
Tulsa mining employment numbers rose to approximately 7,500, while just over 14,000 were
employed in the Oklahoma City area. Oklahoma’s rig count in September 2010 was 138, up
from 75 in September 2009, but still down from the 212 count in September 2008. Rig severance
tax collection fell dramatically from $168,605,775 in September 2008 to a low of $28,383,555 in
June 2009. Tax collections remained low and fluctuated for the remainder 2009, but rose to
just over $60,000,000 in September 2010.
Oklahoma experienced modest home construction bubbles prior to the recession. However,
the number of residential and commercial inventory remains high. Oklahoma’s single family
housing permits continued a slow increase with the number reaching 15,669 in 2008. The real
value construction of these houses, however, has fallen from approximately $136,000 in 2004
to $58,000 in 2010. Employment in Oklahoma’s construction industry has fallen slightly over
the past several years. Tulsa’s construction employment fell from 23,000 in July 2008 to around
21,000 in July 2010. Oklahoma City’s construction employment rate fell from approximately
28,000 in July 2008 to 26,000 in July 2010.
Manufacturing activity stalled in Oklahoma, and jobs were lost as companies began to
upgrade equipment. The Tulsa area experienced a decrease in manufacturing jobs from
55,000 in July 2008 to 44,000 in July 2010. Oklahoma City and surrounding areas manufac-
turing jobs fell from approximately 37,000 in July 2008 to 30,000 in July 2010. Retail sales in
Oklahoma City rose to $31,000,000 in January 2009, fell to $25,000,000 in March 2009, and
has rebounded to $31,000,000 in September 2010. Retail sales in the Tulsa area have fallen
from $19,000,000 in February 2009 to $15,000,000 in September 2010.
Industry Growth
Things may be looking up, however, in Oklahoma’s manufacturing industry. According to
the Oklahoma Department of Commerce 2010 Annual Report, investments announced by
new and expanding manufacturers and processors in 2010 totaled more than $566 million.
Within the next few years, over 5,300 new jobs will be created by fifteen new and thirty-
one expanding manufacturing firms. Major job announcements in 2010 came from Baker
Hughes in Claremore; The Boeing Company, Midwest City; and Enerflow Industries in
Broken Arrow. In 2010 the largest number of announcements was in the area of machinery
manufacturing. Total investment from twelve companies as over $131 million. The next largest
Commerce and Agriculture 921
firms announced was in fabricated metal manufacturing with ten companies announcing
over $18 million in investment. These companies included Mertz Ponca City total Energy
Fabrication; Blackwell; Logan & Company, Bartlesville; and Avery Barron Industries, Tulsa.
The third largest number of firms with five announcements was in food manufacturing, with
over $64 million in investments in the state. Those firms include Dorada Poultry, Ponca City;
Tyson Foods, Broken Bow; and Schwan Food Company, Stilwell. In examining geographic
disbursement during 2010, there was a least one manufacturing announcement in twenty-
five of Oklahoma’s seventy-seven counties, or 33 percent of the counties.
In the service sector, nineteen new firms and seventeen expanding firms announced nearly
$415 million in investments in 2010. During the next few years, these service providers plan to
increase employment by over 3,800 new jobs. These companies included Affiliated Computer
Services, Oklahoma City; U.S. Cellular, Tulsa; Diagnostic Laboratory of OK, Oklahoma City.
Wages
According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis the average wage per job in the United States
in 2008 was $45,716. Oklahoma’s average wage per job in 2008 was lower in comparison to
the national rate at $37,836, but on average with other states in the region. For example, the
average wage per job in 2008 in Arkansas was $35,443; Colorado, $47,086; Kansas, $38,941;
New Mexico, $38,448; and Texas, $45,517. Along with the national and regional trends,
Oklahoma’s average wage per job has continued to increase over the years from $42,845 in
2006 and $36,288.
Foreign Investment
According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s Oklahoma is Global: 2008 Okla-
homa Export Report, the total number of Oklahoma exports surpassed $5 billion in 2008.
Oklahoma exports grew more than 58 percent between 2004 and 2008. The four leading
exports were liquid pumps, machinery parts, pork, and aircraft and spacecraft components.
The reasons for Oklahoma’s export growth is attributed to the innovation-driven entrepre-
neurial character of Oklahoma businesses secured their growing competitiveness in global
markets; a favorable U.S. dollar exchange rate made American exports more competitive
even in price sensitive international markets; and an increasing number of companies are
globalizing their business models, expanding their customer bases and supply chains to
meet the competitive pressures of a shifting economy.
Canada remains the primary recipient of Oklahoma’s exports with almost $2 billion or 34.2
percent. The three leading Oklahoma exports to Canada in 2008 were tires, liquid pumps,
and motor vehicles. Mexico is second highest importer of Oklahoma products with $358
million or 7.1 percent. Mexico’s leading imports from Oklahoma include grain, electric
ignition equipment, generators, and parts, and pork. Japan is the third leading importer of
Oklahoma products with $289 million or 5.7 percent. Japan’s Oklahoma imports include
pork, peptones, and other proteins, and aircraft and spacecraft components. China ranks
fourth in imports from Oklahoma with $198 million or 3.9 percent. China’s leading imports
from Oklahoma are machinery parts, cotton, and liquid pumps. Singapore rounds up the top
five importers from Oklahoma with $169 million or 3.3 percent. Singapore leading purchases
from Oklahoma are liquid pumps, aircraft and spacecraft components, and repaired and
overhauled machinery and equipment.
In international markets with exports sales of more than $5 million, the most substantial
growth for Oklahoma exports from 2007 to 2008 was seen in Libya at 352 percent; Oman,
157 percent; Vietnam, 150.6 percent; Colombia, 93.9 percent; Chile, 69.4 percent, and China,
922 Oklahoma Almanac
62.3 percent.
Foreign-owned companies employ 36,000 workers in Oklahoma. The leading sources of
foreign investments in Oklahoma are the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Switzerland,
and Germany. In 2006 foreign direct investment in Oklahoma surpassed $10 million, up 30
percent over the previous five years. Foreign trade supports nearly 20 percent of the state’s
total manufacturing employment. Approximately 85 percent of all Oklahoma exporters are
small and medium-sized enterprises with less than 500 employees.
Forecast
According to the 2011 Oklahoma Economic Outlook, the recovery should continue throughout
the United States and Oklahoma with no double-dip recession occurring. US real gross
domestic product should increase by 2.3 percent in 2011, before approaching 3 percent in
2012. Unemployment rates will remain elevated, although hiring will accelerate in the second
half of 2011. Oklahoma’s economic recovery should stay at the national pace, with 2011 being a
year of genuine recovery. Rural areas in Oklahoma will remain relatively insulated with stable
commodity prices and a return to oil and natural gas activity assisting many communities.
Selected Oklahoma Indicators

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Real Gross State 120,662 126,609 129,509 133,266 147,045
Product ($Mil)
Real Personal Income ($Mil) 95,165 118,749 124,762 134,505 132,132
Wage and Salary 51,177 56,434 59,790 63,422 61,318
Income ($Mil)
Ratio OK/US 86.7 89.2 90.6 91.9 89.7
Per Cap Income (%)
Unemployment Rate (%) 4.1 4.1 4.3 4.0 6.6
Commercial Bank Total 40,311.9 43,169.9 46,643.5 47,592.7 48,309
Deposits ($Mil)
Commercial Bank Total 33,368 36,224.4 39,275.6 40,454.9 40,876
Loans ($Mil)
Taxable Retail Sales ($Mil) 39,671 42,391 45,135 46,803 40,927
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Oklahoma Gross State Product by Industrial Sector
Actual (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009) in Millions
2001
Major Industry 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Actual ($)
Agriculture 1,480 1,785 1,777 2,294 2,154 2,035 2,149 2,281 1,819
Mining 6,307 6,028 9,161 11,598 16,301 20,882 19,536 20,255 22,939
Construction 4,076 3,909 4,051 4,222 4,772 5,162 4,450 5,232 4,908
Manufacturing-
7,587 6,760 6,802 7,373 7,964 9,090 9,554 10,008 9,211
Durable
Manufacturing-
3,927 4,051 4,575 4,332 4,661 4,909 5,954 8,304 8,366
Nondurable
Wholesale and Retail
12,312 12,760 12,960 13,643 14,370 15,397 15,940 16,428 16,050
Trade
Finance, Insurance,
13,630 14,180 14,931 15,819 16,442 18,327 17,743 20,669 21,224
and Real Estate
Transportation &
5,527 5,804 6,066 6,417 6,668 7,238 8,415 8,764 8,865
Utilities
Services 20,033 20,926 22,208 23,506 24,775 26,950 29,068 21,314 21,284
Government 15,698 16,678 17,296 18,284 19,392 20,551 21,811 24,902 26,403
Source: 2010 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis

Oklahoma Non-Farm Wage and Salary Disbursements
(In millions of dollars)
Major Industry 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 est
Total 42,304 44,399 45,050 46,086 48,277 50,937 56,196 59,465 63,042 61,028 62,231
Mining 1,393 1,615 1,559 1,745 1,953 2,351 3,643 3,680 4,483 3.567 3,627
Construction 1,900 2,129 2,049 2,068 2,064 2,271 2,581 2,752 3,131 2,895 2,867
Manufacturing— 4,081 4,076 3,789 3,742 3,844 3,994 4,440 4,666 4,895 4,151 4,114
Durable
Manufacturing— 1,864 1,864 1,822 1,837 1,853 1,909 1,961 1,951 1,946 1,878 1,935
Nondurable
Wholesale and 5,371 5,687 5,799 5,776 5,978 6,290 6,774 7,078 7,375 7,099 7,175
Retail Trade
Finance, Insurance, 2,458 2,637 2,713 2,882 3,066 2,504 3,448 3,625 3,706 3,622 N/A
& Real Estate
Transportation, 2,285 2,341 2,264 2,276 2,397 2,672 2,709 3,022 3,065 3,033 3,004
Utilities
Services 10,706 11,067 11,596 11,992 12,533 13,177 14,206 15,281 16,163 16,382 N/A
Government— 9,311 9,867 10,432 10,714 11,166 11,774 12,507 13,326 13,968 14,572 14,846
All Levels
Source: 2010 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis
925
Major Employers in Oklahoma 2010

Company Name Business Type Location # Employees
State of Oklahoma Government Statewide 35,000–36,000
Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club Retail Statewide 32,500–35,000
Tinker Air Force Base Government Oklahoma City 24,200
including Air Logistics Center
U.S. Army Field Artillery Center Government Lawton 19,000
& Fort Sill
University of Oklahoma Education Norman 12,250–12,500
Integris Health Statewide 8,500–8,750
Chickasaw Nation & Enterprises Government Ada 7,500–10,000
U.S. Postal Service Government Statewide 7,000–9,000
Oklahoma State University Education Stillwater 7,500–8,500
Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma Service Tahlequah 5,000–7,500
YUM! Brands Food Statewide 6,500–7,000
American Airlines Service Tulsa 6,750–7,000
Tulsa Public Schools Education Tulsa 6,000–6,250
Sonic Corporation Food Oklahoma City 6,000–6,500
Saint Francis Hospital Health Tulsa 5,250–5,500
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Service Durant 5,000–5,200
Marian Health System Health Tulsa 6,000–6,250
City of Oklahoma City Government Oklahoma City 4,750–5,000
Oklahoma City School District Education Oklahoma City 4,750–5,000
Mercy Health System of OK Health Statewide 4,750–5,000
McDonalds Restaurants Food Statewide 4,500–4,750
ConocoPhillips Manufacturing Bartlesville/Ponca City 4,250–4,500
Lowe’s Home Centers Retail Statewide 4.250–4,500
Braum’s Mfg/Ret. Statewide 4,000–4,250
Veteran’s Administration Health/Govt. Statewide 4,000–4,250
AT&T Service Statewide 4,000–4,250
Hillcrest Medical Center Health Tulsa 4,000–4,250
City of Tulsa Government Tulsa 4,000–4,200
Associated Wholesale Grocers Food Statewide 3,750–4,000
Federal Aviation Administration Government Oklahoma City 3,250–3,500
Seaboard Corporation Mfg Guymon 3,256
Chesapeake Energy Corporation Energy Oklahoma City 3,000–3,250
Community Health Systems Health Statewide 3,000–3,250
SSM Healthcare of Oklahoma Health Oklahoma City 3,000–3,250
BOK Financial (Bank of Oklahoma) Finance Statewide 3,000–3,250

Hobby Lobby Retail Statewide 2,800–3,000
OGE Energy Corporation Utility Statewide 3,000–3,250
Edmond Public Schools Education Edmond 2,750–3,000
University of Oklahoma Medical Center Health Oklahoma City 2,750–3,000
Lawton Public Schools Education Lawton 2,750–3,000
Brinker International Inc. Food Statewide 2,750–3,000
Walgreen Corporation Retail Statewide 2,750–3,000
Moore Public Schools Education Moore 2,500–2,750
Onex Corporation Mfg/Service McAlester 2,500–2,750
Putnam City Ind. School District Education Oklahoma City 2,500–2,750
Altus Air Force Base Government Altus 2,500–2,750
Dollar General Stores Retail Statewide 2,500–2,750
Norman Regional Hospital Health Norman 2,500–2,750
Halliburton Company Energy Duncan 2,250–2,500
Reasons Discount Foods Food Statewide 2,250–2,500
Oneok Inc. Energy Tulsa 2,250–2,500
United Parcel Service Service Oklahoma City 2,250–2,500
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Mfg. Lawton 2,362
Broken Arrow Public Schools Education Broken Arrow 2,350–2,500
Health Innovations Private Services Health Oklahoma City 2,000–2,250
Target Stores Retail Statewide 2,000–2,250
Tulsa Community College Education Tulsa 2,000–2,500
Darden Restaurants Inc. Food Statewide 2,000–2,250
Midwest City School District Education Midwest City 2,000–2,250
Arby’s Roast Beef Food Statewide 2,000–2,250
Mazzio’s Food Statewide 2,000–2,250
Sodexho Operations Service Statewide 2,000–2,250
Cox Communications Inc. Service OKC/Tulsa 2,000–2,250
Union Public Schools Education Tulsa 2,000–2,250
Grace Living Centers Health Statewide 1,800–2,000
Hertz Corporation Service Oklahoma City 1,750–2,000
Tulsa County Government Tulsa 1,750–2,000
Koch Industries Inc. Mfg. Muskogee 1,750–2,000
Baker Hughes Inc. Mfg. Claremore 1,750–2,000
U.S. Department of the Army Mfg. McAlester 1,750–2,000
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Government Shawnee 1,750–2,000
Sears & Kmart Retail Statewide 1,750–2,000
Southwestern OK State University Education Weatherford 1,750–2,000
Health Management Associates Health Durant 1,750–2,000

Home Depot Retail Statewide 1,750–2,000
Advanced Food Company Inc. Food Oklahoma City 1,750–2,000
Arvest Bank Operations Financial Statewide 1,700–1,900
Oklahoma County Government Oklahoma City 1,700–1,800
Comanche County Memorial Hospital Health Lawton 1,500–1,750
Jenks Public Schools Education Jenks 1,500–1,750
Michelin North America Inc. Mfg. Ardmore 1,500–1,750
Farmer’s Insurance Group Insurance Statewide 1,600–1,750
Girling Health Care Inc. Health Statewide 1,500–1,750
University of Central Oklahma Education Edmond 1,500–1,750
Devon Energy Corporation Energy Oklahoma City 1,500–1,750
JC Penney Retail Statewide 1,500–1,750
Bar S Foods Company Food Lawton/Clinton 1,250–1,500
Dillard’s Retail Statewide 1,250–1,500
BancFirst Corporation Financial Oklahoma City 1,400–1,500
Country Style Health Care Inc. Health Wilburton 1,250–1,500
NORDHAM Group Inc. Mfg. Tulsa 1,437
Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Mfg./Dist. Oklahoma City 1,250–1,500
Quik Trip Corporation Retail Tulsa 1,250–1,500
Dept. of Health & Human Services Government Oklahoma City 1,250–1,500
Dell Service Oklahoma City 1,250–1,500
DirectTV Service Statewide 1,250–1,500
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. Mfg. Statewide 1,300–1,400
O’Reilly Automotive Retail Statewide 1,300–1,400
Best Buy Retail Statewide 1,200–1,400
Tyson Foods Inc. Mfg. Oklahoma City 1,250–1,500
OK Industries Inc. Mfg. Heavener 1,250–1,500
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Food Oklahoma City 1,250–1,500
State Farm Insurance Insurance Statewide 1,000–1,300
Oklahoma City University Education Oklahoma City 1,000–1,250
Midwest Regional Medical Center Health Midwest City 1,000–1,250
Owasso Independent School System Education Owasso 1,000–1,250
LSB Industries Inc. Mfg. Oklahoma City 1,000–1,250
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oklahoma Insurance OKC/Tulsa 1,000–1,250
Crest Discount Foods, Inc. Food Oklahoma City 1,000–1,250
Convergys Corporation Service Moore 1,000–1,250
Public Service Company of Oklahoma Service Tulsa 1.000–1,200
Williams Companies Inc. Energy Tulsa 1,000–1,250
Mustang Public Schools Education Mustang 1,000–1,250

Sprint Nextel Service Oklahoma City 1,000–1,250
Vance Air Force Base Government Enid 1,000–1,500
University of Tulsa Education Tulsa 1,000–1,200
Northeastern OK State University Education Tahlequah 1,000–1,250
Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes Government Concho 1,000–1,250
Alorcia Inc. Service Tulsa 1,000–1,250
Oklahoma State University Medical Health Tulsa 1,000–1,250
Center
Taco Bueno Restaurants Inc. Food Statewide 1,000–1,250
IBM Service Tulsa 1,000–1,250
Whirlpool Corporation Mfg. Tulsa 1,000–1,100
Bartlesville Independent Schools Education Bartlesville 1,000–1,100
Oklahoma Heart Hospital Health Oklahoma City 1,000–1,250
Warren Clinic Inc. Health Tulsa 1,000–1,250
Enid Public Schools Education Enid 1,000–1,250
Oklahoma City Community College Education Oklahoma City 1,000–1,250
Triad Hospitals Inc. Health Tulsa 900–1,100
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Health Statewide 750–1,000
Charles Machine Works Inc. Mfg. Perry 1,000
Kohl’s Department Stores Retail Statewide 750–1,000
Family Dollar Stores, Services & Trucking Retail/Service Statewide 900–1,100
7–Eleven Stores Retail Statewide 750–1,000
Dolese Bros. Co. Mfg. Oklahoma City 750–1,000
MidFirst Bank Financial Oklahoma City 800–1,000
AAON Inc. Mfg. Tulsa 900,1,000
Muskogee School District Education Muskogee 750–1,000
Stillwater Public Schools Education Stillwater 750–1,000
Warehouse Market Food Tulsa 750–1,000
Atwood Distributing Retail Statewide 800–1,000
Santa Fe Cattle Company Inc. Food Statewide 750–1,000
Schlumberger Energy Bartlesville 750–1,000
Pizza Hut Food Statewide 900–1,000
Corrections Corporation of America Service Cushing 800–1,000
Hewlett-Packard Company Service Tulsa 800–1,000
American Fidelity Assurance Company Insurance Oklahoma City 750–1,000
Navistar International Corportaion Mfg. Tulsa 750–1,000
Dish Network Service Tulsa 750–1,000
Southwest Airlines Service Oklahoma City 750–1,000
Melton Truck Lines Inc. Service Tulsa 750–1,000

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Service Tulsa 750–1,000
Universal Health Service Health Enid/OKC 800–1,000
Muscogee Creek Nation Government Okmulgee 750–1,000
Burger King Food Statewide 800–1,000
Oklahoma City Publishing Mfg. Oklahoma City 750–1,000
Oral Roberts University Education Tulsa 750–1,000
Rib Crib Food Statewide 750–1,000
Ki Bois Community Action Service Statewide 750–1,000
Ponca City Public Schools Education Ponca City 750–1,000
Johnson Controls Inc. Mfg. Norman/Tulsa 750–1,000
930
Mining/Petroleum Overview
Non-fuel Mineral Production, 2007
Mineral Quantity (in metric tons) Value (in thousands)
Cement w w
Common Clay 1,050,000 $4,060
Gypsum 3,410,000 $26,100
Iodine w w
Sand & Gravel 18,410 $140,800
Stone 45,817,000 $296,100
Tripoli 40,600 $1,600
w = data withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data
Note: Total value in table above does not equal the total value of nonfuel mineral production in Okla-
homa for 2007. The difference is in mineral values not released for public distribution.
The United States Geological Survey estimated the value of nonfuel mineral production in
Oklahoma was $731 million in 2007. That represents a 6 percent increase from the final figures
for 2006. Crushed stone lead the state in the value of nonfuel mineral production at $294
million. Based on value, crushed stone was followed by construction and industrial sand
and gravel and gypsum. Based on production value, 57 percent of the total value was due
to the combined values of three of Oklahoma’s four major construction materials: crushed
stone, construction sand and gravel, and gypsum (descending order of value). Despite the
increase of its mineral value, Oklahoma production of the common clays, construction sand
and gravel, and crude gypsum decreased slightly from 2006, but dimension stone production
increased by nearly 6 times, crushed stone increased by 4.5 percent, and tripoli production
more than doubled. Oklahoma led the United States in the production of gypsum; ranked
fourth in feldspar production; and ranked second of four states producing tripoli. Oklahoma
is one of only three states producing helium and is the only state producing iodine. Oklahoma
ranked sixth (from fifth in 2006) in industrial sand and gravel production and seventh (from
sixth in 2006) in the production of common clays. Oklahoma mines produced industrial
minerals exclusively (no metals were mined in the state). Overall, Oklahoma ranked 31st of
50 states in total nonfuel mineral production value.
Oklahoma’s enormous mineral reserve can be divided into three types of mineral products:
mineral fuels, metals, and non-metals. Mineral fuels are materials that can be burned, such
as petroleum (crude oil and natural gas), and coal. These account for more than 90 percent
of Oklahoma’s annual mineral output. Metals are substances that can be melted and molded
into any shape desired and are usually hard and heat resistant. There presently are no metals
mined in Oklahoma. Zinc and lead are the principal metals previously mined in Oklahoma,
but copper, manganese, iron, and uranium also were produced. A non-metal (industrial
mineral) is any rock, mineral or other select naturally occurring or synthetic material of
economic value often used in combination with other materials, such as sand and crushed
stone used in concrete. The principal industrial minerals produced in Oklahoma include
crushed stone, Portland cement, construction sand and gravel, industrial sand and gravel,
gypsum, and iodine. Other Oklahoma non-metals include tripoli, feldspar, helium, common
clay, dimension stone, salt, volcanic ash, and lime.
Oklahoma Average Annual Crude Oil Price

$/Barrel Figure 1
120
100 96.53
80 74.27
69.17
62.97
60 54.5
56.56
40.08
40
29.2 29.79
24.67 24.55
20
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 (est)
Source: Oklahoma Corporation Commission
Value of Petroleum and Natural Gas Production,

2000–2010
The Global Scene
Reduced global economic activity over the last two years has created an oversupply in
petroleum with a corresponding drop in prices. As economic recovery has progressed since
that time demand has increased and oil prices have risen from a low of about $65 to prices
ranging from $80–90 per barrel. This trend will likely continue through 2011. Longer-term,
as global demand outstrips supply, crude oil prices will inevitably rise to new highs. With
minimal international unrest this could be a gradual increase, but there are many scenarios
that could cause oil prices to rise suddenly. A rapid price increase will benefit Oklahoma’s
oil industry in the short term, but will likely cause a collapse a few years later, as was the
case in the mid-1980s (Figure 1).
Unlike oil, U.S. natural gas demand is met exclusively from domestic and Canadian pro-
duction. The lack of infrastructure necessary to import large quantities of liquefied natural
gas (LNG) leaves the North American gas market largely independent of the global market.
Recent increases in natural gas reserves and production as a result of horizontal drilling
and completion technology leave little doubt that U.S. demand will continue to be satisfied
largely by local production. Like oil, natural gas demand is driven by economic activity.
Lower demand and higher production has suppressed prices for the last two years, and
unless weather becomes much colder these relatively low prices will likely persist (Figure 2).
Oklahoma Oil and Gas

The long-term declines in Oklahoma oil and natural gas production have been reversed in
the last several years due to the impact of horizontal drilling and completion technology.
Although they still account for only slightly more than a third of all drilling, the effect of
this technology has been enormous. It has helped increase overall drilling activity and now
Information for the Mining and Petroleum Overview was provided by the Oklahoma Geological Survey.
Oklahoma Average Wellhead Annual Natural Gas

$/MCF Figure 2
8
7.31
7.1
7
6.23
6.1
6
5.49
4.92
5 4.67
4.03
4 3.67 3.55
2.93
3
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 (est)
Source: Oklahoma Corporation Commission
accounts for almost all significant exploratory drilling in Oklahoma. In fact, state operators
are now almost entirely occupied with identifying areas and reservoirs where this technol-
ogy will work (Figure 3).
Oklahoma oil production, which had been in decline since 1984, has been on a general rise
since 2006. In 2009 production rose 2.8 percent to about 67 million barrels. There are many
horizontal drilling plays that contributed to this rise in the face of continued declines in
conventional production. The most important are the Cleveland, Granite Wash, Hunton, and
Mississippian reservoirs. Strong crude prices have increased oil-generated gross production
tax revenues and helped keep these plays—which are expensive to develop—economically
feasible (Figure 4).
Natural gas is by far the most important resource in Oklahoma, because it alone maintains
a positive state energy balance. Despite being ranked the fifth largest oil producer, oil
consumption in Oklahoma is about 50 percent greater than production. In addition, local
coal production, due to its high sulfur content, accounts for less than 10 percent of state
consumption. However, gas production, at 1.9 trillion cubic feet per year, is three times
state consumption.
Oklahoma Activity Rotary Rigs

Figure 3
2009 2010
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Source: Baker Hughes

Oklahoma Annual Crude Oil Production

MMB (including Condensate)
120
Figure 4
100
80
60
40
20
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Source: Energy Information Administration & Oklahoma Corporation Commission
Natural gas drilling and production have also been strong in Oklahoma in recent years.
However, low prices over the last two years have meant that cash flow from gas wells has
fallen markedly. Most new gas production is a result of horizontal drilling, which has con-
tinued at high levels despite low prices. This is occurring because operators must drill what
are now marginally economic wells in order to hold acreage that was expensive to acquire.
Although undeveloped reserve bookings are at record levels, this has put more natural gas
into a market that is already glutted. This will probably extend this period of lower prices.
In 2009 state production rose over 7 percent to 5.1 billion cubic feet per day (Figure 5). A
welcome development, this can only partially make up for the drop in gross production tax
revenues that resulted from a 50 percent drop in price in 2009. Gas prices rose in 2010, but
are still well below 2005–2008 levels. Because natural gas production in Oklahoma represents
80 percent of our barrel-of-oil-equivalent production, its price will remain the single most
critical factor to the economy of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Annual Natural Gas Production

Million Cubic Feet (MCF) per Day
Figure 5
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Source: Energy Information Administration & Oklahoma Corporation Commission

934
Agriculture Overview
Environmental conditions such as climate and soil type have a great influence on
agriculture practices in the state. Oklahoma lies between the long growing season
of the South and the shorter growing season of the North. The average length of this
season, also called the freeze-free period, ranges from 168 days in the northwestern
Panhandle to about 240 days along the Red River in south central and southern
sections of the state.
In most circumstances, individual farming areas include more than one type of crop
since it is more economical to grow a variety of crops within one area; however,
wheat is planted on more acres than any other crop in Oklahoma. Wheat produc-
tion is centered primarily in the northwestern and north central areas of the state.
Oklahoma normally ranks second in winter wheat production, surpassed only by
Kansas.
The Panhandle area of Oklahoma is a mixed area of rangeland and valuable irrigated
cropland. Wheat, corn, and grain sorghum are grown to help support a large cattle
feeding industry and a recent expansion in hog production.
Cotton and grain production is extensive in the southwestern corner of the state.
The warm climate in this area is extremely hospitable to cotton production and
provides an annual growing season in excess of 210 days. The area receives between
twenty-two and thirty inches of rainfall annually.
A wide variety of crops are grown in the mixed-farming region in the eastern part of
the state. While soybeans play an important role on farms within this zone, farmers
supplement their income by growing crops such as corn, peanuts, strawberries,
peaches, and assorted vegetables. Contract broiler operations, egg laying flocks,
and hog production facilities are found in this area of the state, which also has a
large number of cattle ranches and a significant number of dairy farms.
The range-grazing lands of Oklahoma are spread across the state. The six regions
shown on the map generally have rich soils and plentiful supplies of water to sup-
port grasses. Ranches located in areas where soils are not as rich make up for the
deficit by increasing the number of grazing acres per animal.
The years between 1879 and 1900 saw a rapid increase in farm production because
of an expansion in the labor force and more efficient technology in the area of horse
drawn plows, cultivators, and grain harvesters. During this period, the total acreage
of cropland in the United States grew rapidly. This expansion period ended by 1920.
Between 1935 and 1960, agricultural output per man hour increased by more than
four times, while crop production per acre nearly doubled. It was also during this
Information for Agriculture Overview was provided by the Agricultural Statistics Division, Oklahoma
Department of Agriculture, and in particular, the Oklahoma Agricultural Statistics 2010 Report. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Trade and Agriculture: What’s at Stake for Oklahoma report for 2010 served as
the source of information on Oklahoma’s agricultural exports. Additional information (including maps)
was found in the Atlas of Oklahoma, edited by Tom Wikle, published by Oklahoma State University, 1991.
time that many subsistence farms were eliminated by larger, more specialized
farms. Although the number of farms in the U.S. in the mid-1930s was almost seven
million, by the mid 1970s, that number had dropped to about two million.
According to the 2010 Oklahoma Agricultural Statistics Report, in 2009 Oklahoma
had a total of 86,500 farms. The total land area in farms equaled 35,100,000 acres.
The average size farm was 406 acres.
As of January 1, 2010, Oklahoma’s farms and ranches held 5,450,000 cattle and
calves, up 50,000 from 2008. The cow inventory consisted of 2,073,000 beef cows
and 59,000 milk cows, and average milk production per cow (lbs) at 16,983. The total
milk production in 2010 was 1.02 billions lbs. As of December 1, 2009, Oklahoma
held 2,290,000 hogs, 6,966,000 pigs, and 75,000 sheep and 45,000 lambs. Total
chickens (excluding broilers) in Oklahoma on December 1, 2009, totaled 4.54 mil-
lion, down 5 percent from last year. Hens and pullets of laying age, at 3.26 million,
were down 3 percent from 2008.
Cash receipts for all Oklahoma commodities sold in 2009 totaled 4.84 billion, down
14 percent from 2008. Receipts from livestock and related products, which accounted
for 74 percent of the total cash receipts, totaled $3.58 billion, down 8 percent from
2008. Receipts for cattle and calves sold were down 7 percent to $2.23 billion, while
broilers, at $557.7 million, were down four percent. The third largest livestock item,
based on cash receipts, was hogs at $511.3 million, down nine percent from 2008.
Dairy product receipts were down 29 percent from 2008 sales, at $150.8 million.
Crop sales for 2009, at $1.26 billion, were down 28 percent from 2008. Food grain
sales, which include wheat and rye, totaled $500 million, down 50 percent from 2008.
Feed crop sales, comprised of corn, sorghum, oats, and hay, at $290.9 million, were
down 10 percent from 2008. Peanuts declined 45 percent to $8.8 million. Soybeans,
at $100.1 million, were up 46 percent. Grain sorghum sales were $38.8 million, up
Agricultural Regions
0 50 miles
5 percent while hay sales totaled $131.8 million, down slightly from the previous
year. Cotton lint and cottonseed, at $81.6 million, were down 4 percent from 2008.
Beef cattle prices averaged $86.70 per hundred weight, down $7.50; steer and
heifer prices averaged $90.20 per hundredweight, down $7.40; beef cow prices
averaged $46.40 per hundredweight, down $6.80, and calf prices were $105.00 per
hundredweight, down $6.00 from 2008. Milk cows averaged $1,350 per head, down
$500.00 from 2008. Sheep prices averaged $31.00 per hundredweight, up $1.00.
Lamb prices averaged $97.00 per hundredweight, unchanged from the previous
year. Wool prices averaged 40 cents a pound in 2009, unchanged from 2008. All
hog prices were $34.80 per hundredweight, down $3.10 from 2008. Egg prices were
$1.10 per dozen, down 15 cents.
The 2009 Oklahoma winter wheat market year average price was $4.80 per bushel,
a decrease of $2.13 per bushel from 2008. The average sorghum price was $5.95 per
hundredweight, up $0.06 from the previous year. Corn, at $3.80, was down $0.66
from 2008. The all hay average price was $111.00 per ton, up $17.50 per ton from 2008.
Soybeans were $9.35 per bushel in 2009, up $0.25 cents per bushel from the year
before. Oat prices were $2.70 per bushel, down $0.80 per bushel, and the peanut
average price was $0.205 per pound, down $0.05 per pound. The market year aver-
age price for rye, at $8.20 per bushel, was up $1.20. Cotton lint was up $0.235 per
pound to $0.65 per pound, while cottonseed dropped $70.00 per ton to $132.00.
Oklahoma produces agricultural products that are exported worldwide. In 2008, the
state’s farm cash receipts totaled $5.8 billion, and exports were an estimated $1.6
billion. Agriculture exports help boost farm prices and income, while supporting
about 18,532 jobs both on the farm and off the farm in food processing, storage, and
transportation. Exports are increasingly important to Oklahoma’s agricultural and
statewide economy. Measured as exports divided by farm cash receipts, the state’s
reliance on agricultural exports was 27 percent in 2008.
Oklahoma’s top five agricultural exports in 2008 were (1) wheat and products at
$860 million; (2) live animals and red meat at $261 million; (3) cotton at $96 million;
(4) poultry and products at $94 million; and (5) feeds and grains at $80 million.
World demand for these products is increasing, but so is competition among
suppliers. If Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers, and food processors are to compete
successfully for the export opportunities of the twenty-first century, they need fair
trade and more open access to growing global markets.
937
2009 Crop Weather Review

January—A lack of precipitation for most of the month of January was alleviated
only by a severe winter storm the last week of the month. Sleet and ice covered
roads and power lines made travel difficult and resulted in massive power outages
and five reported deaths. Despite the ice, precipitation for the month was still well
below normal with only 0.69 inches for the month statewide. The lack of moisture
affected forage supplies due to the limited growth of wheat and other small grains.
February—The precipitation shortage continued into February, which had 0.6
inches less rain than a normal February. Wheat progress was inhibited and the lack
of good moisture depleted hay supplies. In addition to being a dry month, February
was also the tenth warmest since 1895, almost five degrees above normal. The most
significant weather event of the month, however, was the EF4 tornado that struck
Lone Grove resulting in eight deaths. This was the strongest February tornado on
record and was accompanied by several smaller tornadoes.
March—The month began dry with strong winds and burn bans in effect to combat
potential wildfires. Moderate drought conditions were alleviated the last week of
March when precipitation came in the form of snow. A combination of thunder-
storms and snowstorms across the state brought rain, hail, and over two feet of snow
in the northwestern part of the state. Despite heavy snowfall in some areas, much
of the state was still behind normal precipitation levels at the end of the month.
April—April brought a variety of severe weather to Oklahoma from freezes, floods,
and fires to twisters and hail. Overall, the month was cool and wet, finally ending
the drought-like conditions of the first three months. The state averaged almost five
inches of rain, 1.55 inches more than normal. Although the rain was welcomed by
producers, small grain crops received some frost damage at the beginning of April,
and later hail damage was incurred in certain areas.
May—Heavy rainfall and severe weather continued into May bringing flash
floods, hail damage, and several tornadoes, including a EF2 that caused damage
in Anadarko. The state averaged five inches of rain; however, most of the heavy
rains occurred in the eastern and southern parts of the state leaving the northern
and western parts still below normal precipitation. A break in the rainfall at the
end of the month allowed field work to be completed. Temperatures for the state
averaged more than two degrees below normal, making it the nineteenth coolest
May on record.
June—As if to make up for a cool May, June was two degrees warmer than normal,
ranking as the twenty-sixth warmest June since 1895, with a high of 106 degrees at
Fairview and Grandfield. The small grain harvest was delayed by a waterlogged
spring, but caught up to normal by the end of the month. Most of the state ended the
month below normal precipitation with this June being the twenty-seventh driest
on record. What precipitation did fall was accompanied by hail and strong winds.
July—The month began with extreme heat and drought, especially in northwest
Oklahoma. A record-making high of 115 degrees was recorded for Buffalo and Free-
dom during the second week. Several cold fronts brought relief and some welcomed
rainfall, ending the month as the thirty-fourth coolest and twenty-seventh wettest.
However, it was not enough to overcome the rainfall deficit for the growing season.
August—August finished cooler and wetter than normal. The average temperature
was two degrees below normal, and the average precipitation for the state was an
inch above normal. All but the Panhandle district benefited from August rains,
allowing for positive crop progress and conditions, especially during the second
half of the month. August storms brought some hail and flooding events, however.
September—The average rainfall for the state was above normal in September,
making it the thirty-second wettest on record. The rainfall was heaviest in the
southeast district at more than four inches above normal. Fall planting and har-
vesting progress was made in between rains and cooler than normal weather was
a welcome respite in the fields.
October—Heavy rains delayed small grain planting and row crop harvesting
throughout the state. October ranked as the second coolest such month on record
and the fifth wettest, 3.51 inches above normal. All nine districts were above nor-
mal precipitation for the month, with half of the state receiving the most rain and
accompanying flooding.
November—Excess rainfall and abnormally cool temperatures disappeared in
November, allowing producers to get back into the fields after a very wet October.
This month ranked as the eighth warmest and twenty-second driest November
since 1895, with more than two inches less rain than normal. All nine districts were
below normal precipitation, but soil conditions remained at a rating of adequate
throughout the month.
December—A record-breaking snow storm hit Oklahoma on Christmas Eve, halting
holiday traffic and accumulating to a depth of 13.5 inches in Oklahoma City. The
storm stranded motorists and caused power outages resulting in multiple deaths.
December was extremely cold, almost five degrees below average. Outside of the
record snowfall, much of the state was dry for the first half of the month and the
state average precipitation was 0.5 inch below normal.
939
Agricultural and Livestock

Production
Highlights of Oklahoma Agriculture
Source: 2007 Census of Agriculture, Oklahoma Department of Agriculture
This Census is published every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
1987 1997 2007

Number of Farms 70,228 74,214 86,565
Land in Farms (acres) 31,541,977 33,218,677 35,087,269
Average Size of Farm (acres) 449 448 405
Value of Land and Buildings (based on sample of farms)

Average per farm ($) $215,024 $271,996 468,809
Average per acre ($) 480 610 1,157
Estimated Market Value of All Machinery and Equipment

(based on sample of farms)
Average per farm ($) $29,465 $36,936 $63,642
Farms by Size
1 to 9 acres 3,666 2,505 3,802
10 to 49 acres 10,134 12,673 18,700
50 to 179 acres 22,331 24,681 29,719
180 to 499 acres 18,006 18,288 19,140
500 to 999 acres 8,405 8,155 7,484
1,000 acres or more 7,686 7,912 7,720
Total Cropland
Farms 55,783 58,741 59,040
Acres 14,443,459 14,843,823 13,007,625
Harvested Cropland
Farms 43,522 44,786 46,224
Acres 7,319,193 8,462,079 7,650,080
Irrigated Land
Farms 3,029 2,710 3,026
Acres 478,737 506,459 534,768
1987 1997 2007

Market Value of Agricultural
Products Sold ($) $2,714,892 $4,146,351 $5,806,061
Average per farm ($) 38,658 55,870 67,072
Crops, including nursery
and greenhouse crops ($) 610,050 907,865 1,187,625
Livestock, poultry
and their products ($) 2,104,842 3,238,485 4,618,436
Farms by Value of Sales

Less than $2,500 $18,501 $20,476 $34,669
$2,500 to $4,999 11,073 11,713 9,059
$5,000 to $9,999 11,999 12,341 10,731
$10,000 to $24,999 12,805 12,869 13,494
$25,000 to $49,999 6,300 6,234 6,886
$50,000 to $99,999 4,479 4,285 4,563
$100,000 or more 5,071 5,296 7,163
Total Farm Production 2,359,468 3,576,456 5,223,365

Expenses ($)
Average per farm ($) 33,594 48,186 60,340
Net Cash Return from Agricultural Sales for the Farm Unit
# of farms w/$1000 or more sales 70,235 74,222 86,565
Average per Farm $4,214 $6,145 $11,885
Livestock and Poultry

Cattle and Calves Inventory
Farms w/cattle 53,544 58,023 55,105
Number of head of cattle 4,537,774 5,321,161 5,391,337
Beef Cows
Farms 44,130 49,281 47,059
Number 1,630,425 1,931,805 2,063,613
Milk Cows
Farms 2,828 1,921 981
Number 90,499 87,647 66,023
Hogs and Pigs inventory
Farms 3,710 3,002 2,702
1987 1997 2007

Number 187,351 1,689,700 2,398,372
Hogs and Pigs sold
Farms 3,090 2,082 2,274
Number 346,686 3,943,563 9,010,682
Sheep and Lambs inventory
Farms 1,799 1,792 1,939
Number 120,479 74,596 76,243
Chickens 3 months old or older inventory
Farms 5,703 3,293 5,235
Number 5,826,714 5,059,373 3,323,802
Broilers and other meat-type chickens sold
Farms 556 632 636
Number 89,704,380 138,607,293 242,228,335
Selected Crops Harvested

Sorghum for Grain or Seed
Farms w/sorghum 18,644 2,557 966
Acres in state 339,368 417,872 219,883
Bushels in state 15,114,650 18,863,920 11,682,402
Wheat for Grain
Farms 18,644 13,935 8,744
Acres 4,276,344 4,825,074 3,421,098
Bushels 113,464,955 141,302,977 89,968,524
Cotton
Farms 2,913 849 420
Acres 360,299 176,962 164,273
Bales 306,388 190,186 279,871
Soybeans for Beans
Farms 1,566 1,921 813
Acres 229,887 323,082 180,878
Bushels 5,622,675 9,498,068 4,559,245
Peanuts for Nuts
Farms 1,088 662 148
Acres 86,469 68,340 16,319
Pounds 190,592,633 163,572,035 55,039,635
Hay—Alfalfa, other wild silage
Farms 32,196 35,751 38,897
Acres 1,920,000 2,478,944 3,250,005
Tons, dry 3,430,874 4,651,859 6,607,628
Agricultural Trade Statistics, 2009

Oklahoma Exports U. S. Exports
Product (millions of $) (millions of $)
Wheat and products 248.0 8,598
Soybeans and products 63.7 17,709
Peanuts and products 3.8 328
Cotton and linters 95.4 3,628
Cotton Seed and products 3.5 134
Feed Grains and products 49.0 11,979
Tree nuts 12.1 3,495
Fruits and Preparations 0.8 5,713
Vegetables and Preparations 0.4 5,279
Live Animals & meat (excl. poultry) 250.0 8,907
Hides and skins 2.7 1,510
Poultry and products 95.3 4,850
Fats, oils, and grease 4.6 683
Dairy products N/A * 2,335
Feeds and fodders 93.6 3,948
Seeds 15.0 1,238
Other (incl. processed foods) 42.8 12,433
Total 982.3 96,632
The above data are based on the assumption that each state’s contribution to exports is
equal to each state’s share of production or marketing. They should not be interpreted
as an actual measure of the state’s export. Totals in this chart for U.S. exports include
Tobacco, Rice, and Sunflower Seed and Sunflower Oil. These commodities are not listed,
as Oklahoma has no exports in these categories.
* The information regarding Oklahoma’s dairy products was not published to prevent
disclosure.
Wildlife
& Nature
Location of Oklahoma
Longitude and Latitude

103°W 102 101° 100° 99° 98° 97° 96°
37°N 37°N
103° 102° 101°

Ada—34°28’N • 96°43’W 36° 36°
Ardmore—34°10’N • 97°8’W
Clinton—35°31’N • 98°56’W
Durant—33°59’N • 96°23’W
Enid—36°24’N • 97°54’W
Guymon—36°41’N • 101°29’W
Hollis—34°40’N • 99°55’W
Idabel—33°53’N • 94°48’W 35° 35°
Lawton—34°35’N • 98°24’W
McAlester—34°55’N • 95°45’W
Miami—36°53’N • 95°51’W
Muskogee—34°55’N • 95°45’W
Okahoma City—35°28’N • 97°31’W
Pawhuska—36°41’N • 96°20’W 34° 34°N
Poteau—35°3’N • 94°37’W
Stillwater—36°7’N • 97°4’W
Tulsa—35°9’N • 95°59’W 100° 99° 98° 97° 96° 95°W
Tahlequah—35°55’N • 94°58’W
Woodward—36°25’N • 99°24’W 0 50 miles
945
Location and Size

Oklahoma is surrounded by six other states: Texas to the south and west, New Mexico
to the west, Colorado and Kansas to the north, and Missouri and Arkansas to the east.
Oklahoma City serves as the state’s capital. It is located very near the geographic center
of the state. Geographic center is approximately eight miles north of Oklahoma City.
Lines of longitude and latitude form a grid system on the earth’s surface. These refer-
ence lines are used to pinpoint the position of any spot on Earth. Oklahoma extends
across north latitudes and west longitudes.
Latitude is distance measured north and south of the equator. Lines of latitude, also
called parallels, are established by the angle between a radius from a point at the cen-
ter of the earth in relation to the equatorial plane. Latitude ranges from 90 degrees at
each pole to zero degrees at the equator. For greater precision, degrees of latitude can
be broken up into minutes and seconds. There are sixty minutes in a degree and sixty
seconds in each minute. One degree of latitude equals roughly sixty-nine miles because
the Earth is not a perfect sphere.
Longitude is the other component of the Earth’s grid system. Lines of longitude, called
meridians, run north and south and help to pinpoint locations east and west. Longitude
is also measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The most important reference line
used for longitudinal reference is the Prime Meridian established in 1884 by international
agreement. The Prime Meridian runs through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich,
England, and represents a longitude of zero degrees. Longitudes to the east of the
Prime Meridian are called east longitudes and those to the west, west longitudes. On
the opposite side of the earth is the International Date Line that represents a longitude
of 180 degrees.
Oklahoma is situated between ninety-four degrees, twenty-nine minutes, and 103
degrees west longitude; and thirty-three degrees, forty-one minutes, and thirty-seven
degrees north latitude.
By the time Oklahoma was granted statehood in 1907, it had been divided into seventy-five
counties. New counties were created when Harmon County was separated from Greer
County, and Cotton County broke away from Comanche County. With these additions
in 1910, the number of counties was elevated to the present total of seventy-seven. Since
statehood, only eight counties have relocated their county seats.
Osage is the state’s largest county with an area of 2,293 square miles, while Marshall
is the smallest county in the state with only 360 square miles. Cimarron County is the
only state county in the nation that borders four other states (Kansas, Colorado, New
Mexico, and Texas).
This section was compiled using data from the following sources: The Atlas of Oklahoma, Classroom
Edition, published by the Department of Geography, Oklahoma State University, October 1991, Tom Wikle,
Editor • U.S. Government Information Division, Oklahoma Department of Libraries, Steve Beleu, Adminis-
trator • Geological Survey at the University of Oklahoma • State Geographer Bob Springer • Oklahoma
Climatological Survey • Wayne Wyrick at the Kirkpatrick Planetarium • Michah Holmes at the Oklahoma
Department of Wildlife Conservation • Forestry Services Division of the Oklahoma Department of
Agriculture.
Trends in County Populations

Five Largest
County 1991 Population 2009 Pop. Est.
Oklahoma 636,539 716,704
Tulsa 548,296 601,961
Cleveland 203,449 244,589
Comanche 106,621 113,228
Canadian 86,498 109,668
Five Smallest
Cimarron 2,922 2,630
Harmon 3,336 2,843
Harper 3,580 3,377
Roger Mills 3,593 3,407
Ellis 4,194 3,925
Source: U.S. Census Bureau data
The five largest counties by population, according to the U.S. Census 2009 estimates
are: Oklahoma (716,704), Tulsa (601,961), Cleveland (244,589), Comanche (113,228), and
Canadian (109,668). In contrast, the five smallest counties by population are: Cimarron
(2,630), Harmon (2,843), Harper (3,377), Roger Mills (3,407), and Ellis (3,925). For more
information, visit www.census.gov
Locating property in Oklahoma can be accomplished by using a reference system known
as Township and Range. The system was adopted by the federal government as a part of
the Northwest Ordinance of 1785 to prevent conflicting titles of land as pioneers claimed
irregularly shaped plots to acquire the most fertile lands. It was also initiated to assist
in the orderly survey and sale of public land. The Township and Range System uses an
initial point from which all locations are referenced. The primary initial point used for
Townships and Ranges

Wildlife and Nature 947
State Dimensions
464 miles
300 miles
132 miles
320 miles
314 miles
Texas
538 m
iles
Rhode Island
0 50 miles
land in Oklahoma is located about one mile south of Fort Arbuckle in Murray County
(in south central Oklahoma). This point was established by Ehud N. Darling in 1870 to
aid in the dispersion of Indian lands. Running through the initial point are two lines:
a base line that corresponds to an east/west parallel, and a north/south meridian. All
areas to the north of this point are referred to as township north and areas to the south
are called township south. The meridian associated with the initial point is called the
“Indian Meridian” and is used to designate range east from range west.
The base line and meridian are divided into six-mile segments forming a grid of indi-
vidual township/range units. These units are again divided into thirty-six, one-square-
mile sections that are numbered consecutively beginning in the northeast corner of the
township/range. These sections (640 acres each) are then divided into half-sections,
quarter-sections, etc.
Excluding the Panhandle, there are thirty-eight township lines running east and west
and fifty-three range lines running north and south. A separate initial point was used
for the panhandle and is located at the southwest corner of Cimarron County.
Oklahoma is located farther west than any country in South America. Traveling due
south from Oklahoma City, one would cross Texas and the country of Mexico before
reaching the Pacific Ocean. All of South America would be located to the east. Oklahoma
covers an area of 69,903 square miles (68,679 in land and 1,224 in water).
Oklahoma ranks eighteenth in size in the United States and is considered one of the
larger states when compared to those of the East Coast. The combined area of Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Connecticut are smaller
than the area of Oklahoma. Oklahoma is more than fifty times larger than the state of
Rhode Island and has about the same area as the South American country of Uruguay.
Only Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and Alaska have greater east-west distances than Okla-
homa. With 277,340 square miles, Texas is almost four times larger than Oklahoma. When
compared to other states in the West, Oklahoma is larger than Washington and Hawaii.
948
Demographics
Population
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Oklahoma’s population for 2000 was 3,450,654. This
represents an increase of 9.7 percent from 1990 to 2000, or 305,069 persons. For 2009,
Oklahoma’s population is estimated to be 3,687,050. In 1990, population density was 46.1
persons per square mile; in 2000, the density was 50.3. Trends in Oklahoma continue to
show people leaving rural areas of the state in favor of urbanized areas. The two biggest
concentrations of people in the state are in the metropolitan areas of Oklahoma City
and Tulsa. U.S. Census Bureau population predictions state that by 2015, Oklahoma’s
population is estimated to be 3,789,000; and will increase to 4,057,000 by 2025.
Vital Statistics
In 2008 Oklahoma had 54,753 live births, and 36,405 deaths (preliminary). By comparison,
in 2000, there were 49,782 births and 35,079 deaths. The number of births to preteens
and teenagers, age ten to seventeen, in Oklahoma in 2008 was 2,389, a slight increase
from 2,386 in 2007. The number of births to unmarried mothers in 2008 was 23,125, an
increase from the 22,075 figure in 2007.
The number of marriages in Oklahoma in 2007 was 26,243, an increase from the 24,699
marriages in 2006. The number of divorces in Oklahoma continued to increase in 2007
with 18,750, up from 17,440 in 2006.
Vernacular and Cultural Regions

Vernacular regions are areas that have a unique cultural identity among their residents.
R. Todd Zdorkowski and George O. Carney’s map [top right] was constructed using a sur-
vey of past and present Oklahoma place names that respondents had heard or used.
The regions shown reflect local customs and economic histories. The area known as
“Little Dixie” is dominated by a non-Indian population; however, the Indian popula-
tion of this region responded to the survey with the name “Kiamichi,” which is also
the Oklahoma Tourism Department’s name for the area (although pronunciations
differ). A uniformity among responses concerning the Panhandle region suggests it
is the most widely accepted vernacular region. Other region names are derived from
economic terms, suggesting local experience and public involvement may be the keys
to regional perception.
Wilbur Zelinsky’s map [right bottom] is an excerpt from a national map of cultural geography.
Oklahoma is at the center of three cultural regions of the nation: the Middle West, the
South and the West. The influx of Indians from the East and the settlement of Europeans
add to uncertainty in the national cultural identity of Oklahoma.
Vernacular Regions
Panhandle Wheat
Belt
Oil Patch
Little Dixie
Zdorkowski and Carney, 1985
Cultural Regions
Midwest
West
South
Southwest Zelinsky, 1980

950
Climate
Oklahoma’s weather is driven largely by its topography. Elevations in the state range
from less than 500 feet in the southeastern corner of the state to more than 4,000 feet
in the far western Panhandle. Because of this general upward slope, moisture tends
to be more concentrated in the east, driving annual precipitation, temperature, and
severe weather cycles. The climate of Oklahoma is continental, as is all of the Great
Plains. Summers are long and usually quite hot. Winters are shorter and less rigorous
than those of the more northern Plains states. Periods of extreme cold are infrequent,
and those lasting more than a few days are rare.
Precipitation
Annual precipitation shows a strong east-to-west gradient across Oklahoma. Eastern
portions of the state average up to 56 inches of precipitation annually, while portions
of the Panhandle receive less than 17 inches, on average. The typical peak in precipita-
tion comes in the spring for most of the state, except the Panhandle which has a sum-
mertime maximum. A secondary peak occurs during early autumn, and is especially
pronounced in eastern Oklahoma. Measurable precipitation is recorded on about 45
days per year in western Oklahoma to about 115 days near the Arkansas border. The
state records for annual precipitation are 84.47 inches, recorded in southeastern Okla-
homa in 1957, and a meager 6.53 inches, recorded in the Panhandle the previous year.
The state’s record for single-day rainfall is 15.68 inches, but unofficial totals of over 20
inches have been recorded.
The gradient of average annual snowfall is nearly opposite that of precipitation, in that it
increases from less than two inches in the extreme southeast to nearly 30 inches in the
western panhandle. The frequency of snow events also increases sharply along the same
gradient. Locations in southeast Oklahoma have gone several years between events, while
northwestern Oklahoma typically records several snow events in one winter. Blowing
Normal Annual Precipitation

Under 20" 20" to 24" 24" to 28" 28" to 36" 36" to 40" 40" to 44"
44" to 48"
48" to 52"
Above 56"
52" to 56"
24" to 28"
0 50 miles 28" to 36" 48" to 52"
36" to 40" 40" to 44" 44" to 48"
Normal Annual Snowfall
snow and blizzard conditions can pose significant problems for automobile travelers,
but the effects of most snowstorms in the state are short-lived. Snow remaining on the
ground more than a few days is an uncommon occurrence in northwestern Oklahoma,
quite rare in central Oklahoma, and almost unheard of in the southeast. The greatest
seasonal snowfall ever recorded in the state was 87.3 inches at Beaver during the winter
of 1911–12. Buffalo observed the greatest monthly total of 36.0 inches in February 1971,
including a daily snowfall record of 23 inches on the 21st day of that month.
Other Climatic Features

Annual average relative humidity ranges from about 60 percent in the panhandle to just
over 70 percent in the east and southeast. The average statewide dew point temperature
ranges from 27F in January to 68F in July.
Average annual lake evaporation varies from 48 inches in the extreme east to 65 inches in
the southwest, numbers that far exceed the average yearly rainfall in those areas. Evapo-
ration and percolation preclude use of about 80 percent of Oklahoma’s precipitation.
Prevailing winds are southerly to southeasterly throughout most of the state during the
spring through autumn months. These prevailing winds veer to south-to-southwest in
far western Oklahoma, including the panhandle. The winter wind regime is bimodal,
with roughly equal split between northerly and southerly winds. In a diurnal sense,
prevailing winds tend to oscillate from southeast to southwest to southeast from sun-
rise to sunset to sunrise. In the panhandle the daytime swing is more dramatic, with
westerly winds prevailing. March and April are the windiest months, while July, August,
and September are the calmest.
On the average, cloudiness increases from west to east in Oklahoma. The annual frac-
tion of possible sunshine observed ranges from about 45 percent in eastern Oklahoma
Unless otherwise noted, all charts and graphs in the Climate section are courtesy of the Oklahoma
Climatological Survey, and are based on statistics spanning from 1971 until 2000.
Normal Annual Temperatures
to near 65 percent in the panhandle. These fractions are highest in the summer and
lowest in the winter for all portions of the state.
Temperatures
Average temperature decreases across Oklahoma generally from the south to the
northwest. Mean annual temperatures across the state range from the mid-50s to low
60s. Annual temperatures show a great variability in Oklahoma; almost everywhere
has an annual temperature range of 100 degrees or more. For any place in the state,
temperatures near 110 degrees are common about two out of ten years, as are tempera-
tures slightly below zero. State extreme temperatures range from 120 degrees (recorded
six times) to 27 degrees below zero (twice). Most of the state has a growing season of
more than 200 days, except in the western Panhandle where the growing season only
lasts about 175 days. The average date of the last freeze of spring across the state ranges
from mid-March to mid-April, but freezing temperatures have occurred well into May in
northern Oklahoma. The average date of autumn’s first freeze varies from mid-October
to mid-November. Freezing temperatures have occurred as early as mid-September
in western Oklahoma. Frozen soil is not a major problem, nor much of a deterrent to
seasonal activities. Its occurrence is rather infrequent, of very limited depth, and of
brief duration. Extreme frost penetration ranges from about 10 inches in the southeast
to almost 30 inches in the western panhandle.
Oklahoma’s Weather Hazards

Tornadoes
Oklahoma’s distinction as the epicenter of Tornado Alley has become fairly well estab-
lished, a result of the sheer number of tornadoes it has experienced. This dubious honor
has been punctuated by the lost lives and damaged property from the violently rotating
columns of air, seemingly so common in the state. In fact, Oklahoma has experienced
868 “significant” tornadoes—rated at least F2 on the Fujita Scale—since 1950, the

beginning-point of accurate tornado statistics.
The state’s tornado statistics (1950–2010) are staggering:
• 3,290 tornadoes
• An average of 54 tornadoes per year
• An average of 18 significant tornadoes per year
• 442 dead/6,950 injured
• Over $2 billion in damage
Tornadoes can occur at any time of year, but are easily most frequent during springtime.
April, May, and June represent the months of peak occurrence; these three months
account for about three-fourths of the observations. May’s average of 20 tornado
observations per month is the greatest. The winter months each average less than one
tornado per month. About 80 percent of tornadoes are observed between noon and
midnight, with the peak hours being between 4 pm and 8 pm.
On April 9, 1947, a large tornado killed 101 people in northwestern Oklahoma, almost
all of these in Woodward. On May 3, 1999 an outbreak of tornadoes occurred across
central Oklahoma. In 21 hours, 75 tornadoes were observed, causing 40 deaths and 700
injuries. The largest of these struck southwestern and southern portions of the Okla-
homa City metropolitan area, destroying nearly 1,000 homes and inflicting over one
billion dollars in damages. Radar observations indicated winds of 318 miles per hour,
the greatest wind speeds ever observed on Earth. The difference in fatalities between
these two events is attributable to improved recognition and warning capabilities and
an enhanced awareness of the dangers of tornadoes.
Severe Thunderstorms
While tornadoes are a severe thunderstorm’s most feared hazard, more often they produce
hail, lightning, and straight-line winds that can be equally devastating. Like tornadoes,
the highest likelihood for large hail anywhere in the nation rests over Oklahoma. Large
hail is responsible for crop losses averaging $2.5 million per year in Oklahoma, not
to mention the sometimes multi-million-dollar claims from property losses. Severe
thunderstorm winds can cause widespread damage and occasional fatalities, able to
produce wind gusts in excess of 100 miles per hour across the width of a county and
Average Number of Tornadoes by Month

adapted from 1950–2002 data compiled by NWS WFO Norman, 2006
Annual Number of Tornadoes in Oklahoma

adapted from data compiled by NWS WFO Norman, 2006
the length of the state. Oklahoma has a high incidence of lightning strikes due to the
state’s frequent thunderstorms. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, there were 4 lightening-related fatalities in Oklahoma from 2000–2009.
Thunderstorms occur, on average, about 55 days per year in the east, decreasing to about
45 days per year in the southwest. Late spring and early summer are the peak seasons
for thunder, averaging about eight thunderstorms per month during these seasons.
For the southeastern two-thirds of the state, thunder occurs most often in May. June is
the peak month for much of the remainder of the state, while the western panhandle
observes the most thunder in July. December and January, on average, feature the few-
est thunderstorms, at a rate of less than one per month per location.
Flooding
In a state consumed by the more celebrated severe weather mainstays—tornadoes and
severe thunderstorms—flooding remains a vastly underrated risk. Oklahoma’s prevalence
for convective precipitation can result in a large amount of rainfall in a short period of
time over localized areas, a prime ingredient of flash floods. Population patterns put
additional pressure on waterways, as urban areas increase runoff and the likelihood
of flash floods. Flash flooding is a real and significant hazard to life in Oklahoma due
to two factors: the prevalence of convective precipitation and vehicular travel. There
was 1 death in Oklahoma in 2008 due to flash flooding.
Floods of major rivers and tributaries may occur during any season, but they occur with
greatest frequency during those spring and autumn months associated with greatest
rainfall. Such floods cost many lives and property damage in the first 50 years of state-
hood, but flood prevention programs have reduced the frequency and severity of such
events. Autumn floods are often associated with widespread heavy rains north of a
stalled cold front, or the interaction between a surface front and remnants of a tropical
storm. Springtime floods usually occur in the warm sector of a slow-moving cyclone.
Drought
Until recently, most images of drought were associated with the Dust Bowl, but recent
trends suggest that multi-year drought periods like the 1910s, 1930s, and 1950s have not
vanished from Oklahoma. Drought is a “creeping hazard,” and is easily the state’s costliest
natural disaster. It does not have a defining event or create dramatic visual images, but a
single drought episode can cause billions of dollars in damage to Oklahoma communities.
The impacts include not just withered crops, but strained water supplies, heightened
danger of wildfires, and economic devastation to rural communities as farm income is
wiped away. Tourism also suffers as the levels of lakes decline, while maintaining river
flows for navigation and protection of endangered species sends much-needed water
downstream. All of this creates a delicate balancing act that is much more complex
than with other natural hazards.
Drought episodes can last from a few months to several years. Those that last a few
months can elevate wildfire danger and impact municipal water use. Seasonal droughts
can occur at any time of the year, and those that resonate with crop production cycles
can cause billions of dollars of damage to the farm economy. Multi-season and multi-
year episodes can severely impact large reservoirs, stream flow and groundwater.
Wildfires
One of the searing images of drought is wildfires, but you don’t necessarily need a
drought for this particular hazard to erupt. In fact, fires are a normal part of our climate
cycle as dormant vegetation burns up on windy, warm, and dry days of early spring and
late summer. These conditions of course can be exacerbated by a prolonged period of
dryness extending over a season or longer. Losses from wildfires are increasing, but not
just due to climate—the way we build our communities and homes has a lot to do with
the threat. Ever-expanding cities and towns push farther out into areas further removed
from fire-fighting resources. Fire losses and suppression costs have skyrocketed over
the past decade, costing billions of dollars annually in recent years. Oklahoma has not
been immune to this trend.
Annual Flood-Related Fatalities

in Oklahoma, since 1960
Annual Rainfall History

with 5–Year Weighted Trend Climate Division 10 (Statewide) 1895–2005
Winter Storms
Oklahoma’s experience with severe winter weather is generally confined to disruption of
travel and damage to infrastructure due to excessive snow or ice. While those instances
are uncommon, the infrequency with which the state deals with severe winter weather
tends to magnify its effects. Most of the fatalities associated with winter precipitation
in Oklahoma are due to traffic accidents. Ice storms do the most damage, however,
as they topple power lines and vegetation. Three major ice storms struck the state
between December 2000 and December 2002. The three events combined caused over
$500 million in damages, disrupted power to 450,000 residences and businesses, and
resulted in 38 fatalities.
Extreme Temperatures
Although Oklahoma has experienced some severe cold spells, dropping as low as – 27
degrees, it is summertime temperatures that cause more threat to life. Temperatures
routinely soar across 100 degrees in all parts of the state, especially in western Oklahoma.
However, when you add in the humidity, it is actually the east that poses a greater risk
to human health. The Heat Index, which combines temperature and humidity into a
single measure, exceeds a risk threshold of 105 degrees on more occasions in eastern
Oklahoma than it does in western Oklahoma, even though the actual temperature may
be higher out west. Monitoring both conditions, and keeping an eye on vulnerable popu-
lations such as children and the elderly, is key to surviving Oklahoma’s hot summers.
957
Oklahoma’s Weather Network

Oklahoma has acted to enhance its environmental monitoring through implementa-
tion of the Oklahoma Mesonet. The Mesonet is a world-class network of environmental
monitoring stations that measure soil and atmospheric variables 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year. The Mesonet is a collection of 116 towers, at least one in each county, equipped
with sensors and configured to automatically relay data to a central collection point.
Operated by the Oklahoma Climatological Survey
Oklahoma’s world-class in partnership with the University of Oklahoma and
environmental monitor- Oklahoma State University, the Mesonet monitors
air and soil temperature, relative humidity, wind
ing stations have collected speed and direction, solar radiation, and precipita-
more than 99% of possible tion at each of its sites. Many of the sites measure
weather and soil observa- other information of agricultural or other scientific
interest. Observations are made every five minutes
tions—data used to save and transmitted every five minutes. Reports are
lives and property. carried from the field sites to the central process-
ing computer by a combination of radio and the
dedicated high-speed telephone lines of the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecom-
munications System (OLETS).
The Mesonet is unique in its capability to measure a large variety of environmental
conditions at so many sites across an area as large as Oklahoma. In addition, these
conditions are relayed to a wide variety of customers very quickly after the observations
are taken. Numerous agencies have fast and reliable access to Oklahoma Mesonet data,
including the NWS Weather Forecast Offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Amarillo, and
Shreveport, the Arkansas-Red Basin River Forecast Center, the National Severe Storms
Laboratory, and over 180 public safety offices across Oklahoma. These agencies use
the data from the network to reduce loss of life and property damage in almost every
community across the state.
The Oklahoma Climatological Survey has earned a world-class reputation for its opera-
tion of the Oklahoma Mesonet and its associated information infrastructure created and
managed by scientists at the University of Oklahoma and at Oklahoma State University.
The Oklahoma Mesonet has collected over 3 billion weather and soil observations—
more than 99% of those possible—and produced millions of decision-making products
for state and federal agencies, public safety officials, farmer and agricultural extension
agents, university and K–12 students, scientific researchers, rural electric cooperatives,
weather forecasters, and private citizens.
In January 2005, the Oklahoma Mesonet was awarded a Special Award from the Ameri-
can Meteorological Society “for serving Oklahoma and the meteorological community
by providing high-quality data and information products used to protect lives, reduce
costs, facilitate cutting-edge research, and educate the next generation.”
958
Geology
Oklahoma is a region of complex geology where several major sedimentary basins are
set amongst mountain ranges and uplifts. The state contains many classic areas where
fundamental concepts of geology, petroleum exploration, and minerals production
have been formulated during the years. Because of its geologic history, Oklahoma has
abundant mineral resources that include petroleum (crude oil and natural gas), coal,
nonfuel minerals (lead, zinc, gypsum, limestone, sand, and gravel), and water.
Major Geological Provinces

Geologic forces deep within the earth’s crust hundreds of millions of years ago caused
portions of Oklahoma to subside as major sedimentary basins, while adjacent areas
were folded and thrust upward as major mountain uplifts. Most of the outcropping
rocks in Oklahoma are of sedimentary origin, and they consist mainly of shale, sand-
stone, limestone, and gypsum. These sedimentary rocks typically are 2,000 to 10,000
feet thick in the northern shelf areas, and they increase sharply to 30,000 to 40,000
feet thick in the deep basins of the south. These sedimentary rocks contain most of the
states’ mineral resources, including petroleum, coal, water, and most of the nonfuel
minerals. Sedimentary rocks rest upon a “basement” of igneous and metamorphic
rocks that underlie all parts of the state.
Exposed in the southern Oklahoma mountain belts are a great variety of sedimentary
and igneous rock units seen at few other places in the entire mid-continent region.
Steeply dipping strata, such as those exposed along Interstate 35 through the Arbuckle
Mountains, attest the strong geologic forces that folded and raised the mountain blocks.
Outcropping rocks outside the mountain regions are essentially horizontal, with dips of
less than one degree being most common. These strata typically form gently rolling hills
and plains: thick shale units form broad, flat plains and valleys, whereas resistant layers
of sandstone and limestone cap mesas, cuestas, and hills 100 to 500 feet high. Rocks
and soils of western Oklahoma typically are red in color, due to iron oxides present in
the bedrock, whereas rocks and soils elsewhere are shades of brown, gray, and black.
Major Geological Provinces
Northern Shelf Areas

Ozark
Uplift
Anadarko Basin
Wic Arkoma Basin
hita M
t. U Ouachita
Hollis plif
t Mountain
Basin Arb
uck
le U Uplift
M
plif
ar
Ardmore t
iet
ta
Basin
Gulf Coastal Plain
Ba
0 50 miles
sin
Physiographic Regions
1
8
1—High Plains
2—Gypsum Hills 7
2 4
3—Wichita Mountains
4—Red Bed Plains 6
5—Arbuckle Mountains
6—Sandstone Hills
7—Prairie Plains
3
8—Ozark Plateau 5 9
9—Ouachita Mountians 6
10—Red River Plains 10
Source: Oklahoma Geography 1954 0 50 miles
In the Wichita Mountain Uplift, peaks of Cambrian granite and related igneous rocks
tower 500 to 1,200 feet above surrounding plains. The province is composed mostly
of granite, rhyolite, gabbro, and limestone. In the Hollis Basin, located in the extreme
southwest corner of the state, thick formations of gypsum, shale, and sand are found.
In the northeastern corner of the state, the Ozark Uplift is deeply dissected with Missis-
sippian limestone and chert, shale, sandstone, and dolomite are also found in this area.
The Arkoma Basin, in east central Oklahoma, is composed primarily of sandstone, shale,
and limestone. The Ouachita Mountain Uplift consists of tightly folded sedimentary rock
types, varying in age from Ordovician to Mississippian. The mountain ridges are folded
Mississippian and Pennsylvanian sandstones that tower above valleys formed in shale.
The Gulf Coastal Plain is located in the southeast part of the state. Shale, limestone,
sandstone, and large amounts of sand are present in this geological province. The
Arbuckle Uplift is totally enclosed in Oklahoma. Thick limestone and dolomite units,
varying in age from Cambrian to Mississippian, are found in addition to some sandstone
and granite deposits. The Ardmore Basin is also located completely within Oklahoma’s
borders. It is composed mainly of Pennsylvanian sandstone and shale. The Marietta Basin
consists mainly of outcrops of sandstones and shales of Pennsylvanian and Permian age.
Physiographic Regions
Oklahoma lies mostly in the Great Plains physiographic region and is characterized
by low rolling plains that slope eastward. Although the state is often described as flat,
local hilly areas rise a few hundred feet to more than 1,000 feet above the surrounding
prairies. Three mountain ranges are present in the state: the Wichita Mountains in
southwest Oklahoma, the Arbuckle Mountains in south central Oklahoma, and the
Ouachita Mountains in the southeastern portion of the state. The highest vertical relief
in Oklahoma occurs in the Ouachita Mountains and the southeast part of the prairie
plains, with some peaks reaching more than 2,000 feet above their base elevations.
The major rivers of Oklahoma generally flow eastward. Listed from north to south these
rivers are: the Arkansas, Cimarron, North Canadian, Canadian, Washita, and the Red.
The Arkansas and its tributaries drain the northern two-thirds of the state, while the
Red River and its tributaries drain the southern third.
Oklahoma can be divided into ten distinct regions, based on physical characteristics.
Many of these areas are extensions of those found in surrounding states and extend to
areas as far away as the Gulf of Mexico. The sharp contrasts between the regions give a
broad overview of what to expect on a tour of the state.
The state’s most level areas are those of the High, Red Bed, and Prairie Plains (regions
1, 4, and 7). Within these areas, the majority of Oklahoma’s crops are produced and a
great variation in population can be found. The Red River Plains (region 10) is located
in the southern portion of the state and is endowed with fertile soil and low, rolling
hills. Most of the rock in this region is composed of shale, sandstone, and limestone. A
large portion of this area is located below 500 feet in elevation.
Interrupting the plains are the Sandstone and Gypsum Hill regions (regions 2 and 6).
The hills in these regions are aligned north to south. The Sandstone Hills resist general
weathering because they are capped by resistant sandstone layers. The Gypsum Hills
of western Oklahoma are known for the thick layers of white gypsum that cap mesas,
buttes, and hilltops, and overlie layers of shale and sandstone that tend to erode easily.
The Arbuckle and Wichita Mountain regions (regions 3 and 5) were formed through
geologic uplift and folding. The Arbuckle Mountains contain limestone, sandstone,
shale, and granite that have become important mineral sources to the mining industry.
The Wichita Mountains, on the other hand, were formed from intrusive and extrusive
igneous rocks that are very resistant to erosion. Granite and rhyolite remain where
overlying rocks have been eroded.
The most pronounced of the mountain areas is the Ouachita Mountains (pronounced
WA-she-taw) found in the southeastern section of the state (region 9). The rough ter-
rain allows for farming only in the valleys, while some hillsides are grazed by cattle.
At one time the Ozark Plateau (region 8) was shaped like a large dome that rose high
above the surrounding plains. It is now a hilly region with deeply dissected valleys as a
result of the action of northeastern Oklahoma’s numerous streams and rivers.
Generalized Topography
Oklahoma lies between the lower elevations of the Coastal Plain and the higher eleva-
tions of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The land surface of Oklahoma slopes gently from
its northwest corner to the southeast with the steepest gradient of about twelve feet
per mile in the Panhandle. Throughout the rest of the state, the slope averages about
five feet per mile.
The contour lines shown in the diagram on previous page (“Physiographic Regions”)
connect points on the land surface having the same elevation. When contour lines are
close together, they indicate that the slope of the land is steep.
Southeastern Oklahoma has many steep slopes and high mountains, while western
Oklahoma has gentle slopes. In the extreme northwestern part of the state is Black
Mesa, the highest point in Oklahoma, with an elevation of 4,973 feet above sea level.
The lowest point, at 287 feet above sea level, is in the flood plain of the Little River near
the state’s southeastern corner. Oklahoma’s best-known peak is Mount Scott in the
Mineral Resources
CS
He WAS H- IS
He K AY CS SG
C IMAR R ON HAR P E R
S alt G R ANT
SG
ING T ON CS C R AIG
T E X AS B E AV E R WOODS CS OT T AW A
ALF ALF A
SG SG CS OS AG E NOWAT A
SG R OG E R S
SG
CS
I C em DE LAWAR E
SG
E nid NOB LE
P AWNE E
2 CS
MAY E S
C em
SG
Mineral Symbols E LLIS
WOODWAR D MAJ OR
G yp
G AR F IE LD CS
SG CS
C lay
CS 3
CS T uls a
I CS S te e l
Major Producing Areas P AY NE
DE W E Y
1 B LAINE
G yp
K ING F IS HE R
SG
SG C lay
SG
T ULS A WAG ONE R
SG
C HE R OK E E SG
SG CS
Cem Cement plant SG
I
G yp S G
LOG AN CREEK
C lay
ADAIR
Clay Common clay R OG E R

MILLS
G yp
P er S G
LINC OLN OK MULG E E IS F el
S G MUS K OG E E
SG
C US T E R
CS Crushed stone C ANADIAN
SG
OK LAHOMA
Oklahoma C ity
OK F US K E E
CS
S E QUOY AH
CS Lime
D-G Dimension granite E lk C ity C lay
Mc I N T O S H D-S d
P OT T AWAT OMIE
WAS HIT A S E MINOLE
CS
D-Sd Dimension sandstone B E C K HAM
SG
C LE V E LAND
SG HAS K E LL
CS
SG SG
C lay
Fel Feldspar C ADDO
SG HUG HE S
SG
SG
SG
Gyp Gypsum GR EER
CS K IOWA
CS G R ADY
Mc C L A I N
CS
CS
L eF L O R E
D-G G yp LAT IME R
He Helium G yp CS SG
I Iodine HAR MON CS 4 G AR V IN
P ONT OT OC
P IT T S B UR G
D-S d
J AC K S ON C OMANC HE C em
IS Industrial sand G yp
C la y CS
IS
C OAL
5 SG
S T E P HE NS CS
Lime Lime plant SG T ILLMAN
SG
MUR R AY
SG
IS
CS
P US HMAT AHA
SG J OHNS T ON
Per Perlite plant C OT T ON
SG CS
AT OK A
C lay
Mc C U R T A I N
SG
Salt Salt J E F F E R S ON
C AR T E R
MAR S HALL
CS
CS C HOC T AW CS CS
SG Construction sand and gravel LOV E
SG B R Y AN SG
SG
Steel Steel plant SG
0 50 K ilometers
County boundary City Capital
Legend 1 Crushed stone, sand, and gravel districts
Source: Oklahoma Geological Survey/U.S. Geological Survey, 2005
Wichita Mountains.
Minerals
The United States Geological Survey estimated the value of nonfuel mineral production
in Oklahoma was $606 million in 2005. That represents a 16.8 percent increase from
the final figures for 2004. Crushed stone leads the state in the value of nonfuel mineral
production at $257 million. Based on value, crushed stone was followed by cement
(masonry and portland), construction sand and gravel, industrial sand and gravel,
iodine, and gypsum. About 56 percent of the total value is due to the combined values
of three of Oklahoma’s four major construction materials: crushed stone, construction
sand and gravel, and gypsum (descending order of value; data for cement was with-
Nonfuel Mineral Production, 2007

Quantity Value
Mineral (in metric tons) (in thousands)
Cement W* W*
Common Clay 1,050,000 $4,060
Gypsum 3,410,000 $26,100
Iodine W* W*
Sand & Gravel 18,410,000 $140,800
Stone 45,817,000 $296,100
Tripoli 40,600 $1,600
* Data withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.

Note: Total value presented in the table does not equal the total value of nonfuel mineral production in
Oklahoma for 1999. The difference is in mineral values not released for public distribution.
held for proprietary reasons). All nonfuel minerals increased in value in 2005 except
for crude gypsum, dimension stone, and tripoli. Despite the increase in value of its
mineral value, Oklahoma production of the common clays, crude gypsum, and tripoli
decreased slightly, but dimension stone production decreased by 80 percent. Oklahoma
leads the U.S. in the production of gypsum; ranks fourth in feldspar production; ranks
second of four states producing tripoli; ranks third of three states producing helium
and is the only state producing iodine. Oklahoma ranks seventh (from eighth in 2004)
in industrial sand and gravel production, and eleventh (from eighth in 2004) in the
production of common clays.
Oklahoma’s enormous mineral reserve can be divided into three types of mineral
products: mineral fuels, metals, and non-metals. Mineral fuels are materials that can
be burned, such as petroleum (crude oil and natural gas), and coal. These account for
more than 90 percent of Oklahoma’s annual mineral output. Metals are substances
that can be melted and molded into any shape desired and are usually hard and heat
resistant. There presently are no metals mined in Oklahoma. Zinc and lead are the
principal metals previously mined in Oklahoma, but copper, manganese, iron, and
uranium also were produced. A non-metal (industrial mineral) is any rock, mineral
or other select naturally occurring or synthetic material of economic value often used
in combination with other materials, such as sand and stone used in concrete. The
principal industrial minerals produced in Oklahoma include crushed stone, portland
cement, construction sand and gravel, industrial sand and gravel, iodine, and gypsum.
Other Oklahoma non-metals include tripoli, feldspar, helium, common clay, granite,
salt, volcanic ash, and lime.
Fred Marvel, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.
“River of Rocks” at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, near Lawton, Oklahoma.

963
Forests and Vegetation

Oklahoma’s forests are vital to the economy and environmental quality of the state,
providing a diverse scenic panorama, a wealth of intangible benefits, and a significant
forest products industry. Forests protect our high quality waters, provide habitat for
wildlife, supply opportunities for recreation, and enhance the environment.
Our forests have been shaped and altered by natural disturbances and human influ-
ences. Native Americans worked the forest for their own needs. They burned the forest
floor to stimulate brushy growth favored by game species, cleared land for settlements,
and used wood for their primary cooking fuel. The first European settlers found forests
dominated by white and red oaks, shortleaf and loblolly pine, black walnut, maple,
hickory, and pecan, elm, ash, cottonwood, baldcypress,
Nearly ten million and many other species.
acres—20 percent of As logging dried up the forests of New England and
the land—in Oklahoma the Great Lakes, the extensive pine and oak resources
of the South beckoned. Although small “peckerwood”
is forest, with six million sawmills were scattered across southeastern Oklahoma
commercial-capable by the late 1800s, intensive logging began in earnest
forest acres. around 1900. By 1930, much of Oklahoma’s most valu-
able virgin pine timber had been removed to support
the industrial growth of the upper midwest. Forests were cleared for cotton farming or
livestock grazing. As the southern forests began to wane, loggers moved west, leaving
behind an overcut forest plagued by wildfire.
Concerns about overcutting, wildfires, and lack of timbers to support local industry
for the long term led citizen groups and private companies to support establishment
of the Oklahoma Forestry Association and a State Forestry Service in 1925. Protection
reduced wildfire damage and regeneration took hold. In western Oklahoma, President
Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Prairie States Forestry Project planted its first tree in a Greer
County shelterbelt. The forest industry languished during the Great Depression, but
the war brought renewed activity, relying on the growing “second forest.” After World
War II, social shifts in our population also affected the forests. The 1940s and 1950s saw
urban dwellers leave inner cities in large numbers. Suburban developments cut into
forest land and woodlots became more important as sources of recreation than income.
Oklahoma is often thought of as a state with only wide open prairies, wheat fields, and
ranch land, but nearly ten million acres—20 percent of the land—is forest. More than
six million forest acres are commercial–capable of growing wood as a crop. More than
90 percent of Oklahoma forests are owned by individuals, corporate owners, and the
forest industry. Six percent is publicly owned.
Considerable value is also placed on forests in urban and community areas. Three-
fourths of Oklahomans are now considered “urban” residents, which represents a
significant change from the rural roots and image of the state. Forests are also highly
valued outside traditional commercial areas, providing many environmental benefits.
Major forests are located in the Ouachita Mountains and the Ozark Plateau, in the
eastern portion of the state, where rainfall is sufficient for tree growth. Also, the local
topography in these areas is rough, which discourages the removal of forests for agri-
cultural use. The Ozark Plateau is dominated by oak and hickory trees, while pine trees
dominate the higher elevations of the Ouachita Mountains. There is, however, some
Natural Vegetation
mixing of these two types at all levels. Some sections of the Sandstone Hills, the Red
River Plains, and the Prairie Plains are also covered by forests. The state has 144 native
species of trees with common varieties including shortleaf and loblolly pine, sweetgum,
pecan, several types of oak, cottonwood, and walnut.
Natural Vegetation
Oklahoma is situated in a transition zone between the humid eastern forests and the
drier western grasslands. The state can be divided into three main types of vegetation:
grassland, savannah, and woodlands, and forests. Grass areas are abundant within
Oklahoma’s boundaries and are used for grazing. Grasses in the western sections are
primarily short and mixed. In the Panhandle, the soil is often parched and only the
surface is moistened by rain. Tall grasses are found in the eastern section of the state.
Savannah and woodland areas exist in all parts of the state with the exception of the
rough terrain of the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. The Cross Timbers
of central Oklahoma is the largest woodland-savannah region and supports some the
state’s oldest known trees. Juniper-Pinyon is the least abundant vegetation type, found
only in the state’s far northwest corner.
Large expanses of forest are found primarily in eastern Oklahoma where rainfall is
abundant. The Ouachita Mountains are home to the largest forested area in the state,
and this is an extremely important region to the forest products, tree farming, and
agritourism industries in Oklahoma.
Generalized Soils
Soil is a combination of loose rock material, organic matter, air, and water. Oklahoma has
a great diversity of soils ranging from the rich limestone soils of the dark prairie lands
to the alluvial soils of river valleys, to thin sandy soils and poor red-clay soils. There are
seven major soil groups in Oklahoma. The following is a breakdown of these groups:
Alfisols are found in central, south central, eastern, and western Oklahoma. They
occur in climates that have a period when evapotranspiration (the rate at which water
evaporates from the soil or is removed by plants) exceeds precipitation. Mollisols are
commonly dark colored, base-rich soils of the grasslands that are found in central,
western (including the central panhandle), eastern, and northeastern Oklahoma. They
cover a larger area of Oklahoma than any other soil type.
Utisols occur only in eastern Oklahoma. They are usually found in warm and humid
climates and are associated with a seasonal deficiency of rainfall. Low fertility and low
base saturation in these soils are the major limitations to agricultural use. Inceptisols
occupy a large portion of western Oklahoma and are found in climates where there is
some leaching (filtering out) of soil nutrients. Vertisols occur mostly in southeastern
Oklahoma and extend into Texas. They are clay soils that develop deep, wide cracks
that allow the soil to be moistened from both above and below. Entisols occur mostly in
floodplains and on steep slopes throughout the state. They show little or no evidence of
active soil formation. Entisols found in western Oklahoma are shallow soils that show
limited evidence of weathering processes. Stony Rockland areas, which are actually
surface features and not a soil, are located in southwestern and south central Oklahoma
and can be found in three small areas that boast a very rocky soil type.
Generalized Soils
The United States Congress created the Soil Conservation Service in 1935 to protect
topsoil from becoming badly eroded by poor agricultural practices. Oklahomans were
among the first to take advantage of the Soil Conservation Service, establishing the first
soil conservation district in the United States.
Through the years, prior to statehood and even to the present, Oklahoma’s most valuable
resource has been its resourceful and imaginative people. For as many years, they have
chosen numerous and varied official state symbols to recognize their special interests.
Many of the state symbols come with stories as colorful and unusual as the symbols
themselves. One of the more recently adopted state symbols was the selection of Port
Silt Loam to represent the state soil for Oklahoma. This state soil was added to the list
of state symbols by the state legislature in 1987.
Why have a state soil? The citizens of Oklahoma should have a keen awareness that soil
is one of the most valuable resources. Food and much clothing and shelter come from
plants growing in the soil. Individual and group action since statehood shows better
care of this resource is important to the livelihood and well being of Oklahomans. More
than 100 million tons of topsoil wash or blow away each year. Therefore, naming a state
soil provides an educational purpose. It brings attention to the importance of soils and
to the importance of conservation. Oklahoma has a variable climate and many kinds
of geologic materials. These factors greatly influence the formation of different kinds
of soil. More than 2,500 different kinds of soil are found in Oklahoma. Some soils are
naturally fertile, and others are very limited in productivity. No one individual soil
occurs throughout the state.
Port Silt Loam, the state soil, was selected because it occurs in more counties (thirty-
three), and in about one million acres, more than any other particular soil. The Port soil
is deep, well drained, and has a high productivity potential. It is suited for the produc-
tion of alfalfa, cotton, wheat, sorghum, oats, and other sown crops. Port soil is usually
dark brown to dark reddish brown, with the color derived from upland soil materials
weathered from reddish sandstones, siltstones, and shales of the Permian Geologic Era.
The natural soil supports a native, undisturbed vegetation of tall prairie grasses, with
an overstory of pecan, walnut, bur oak, and cottonwood trees. This native condition
offers a very desirable habitat for most of Oklahoma’s wildlife species.
Soils are often named after an early pioneer, town, county, community, or stream in the
vicinity where they are found. The name “Port” comes from a small community located
in Washita County. The name “silt loam” is the texture of the topsoil. This texture consists
mostly of silt-sized particles (.05 to .002mm) and when the moist soil is rubbed between
the thumb and forefinger, it is loamy to the feel, thus the term “silt loam.”
967
Mountains and Streams

Oklahoma Geological Survey
Mountains and streams have defined the landscape of Oklahoma in the geological past,
and have helped create a beautiful landscape. Resistant rock masses have been folded,
faulted, and thrust upward to form the mountains, while the streams have persisted in
eroding less-resistant rock units and lowering the landscape to form the broad valleys,
hills, and plains so typical of Oklahoma.
Mountains
Mountains are important not only because they expose much of the mineral wealth needed
for the state’s growth and industrial development, but, along with lakes and streams, they
provide the unexpected beauty of Oklahoma’s recreational areas. Although the three
principal mountain systems —Wichitas, Arbuckles, and Ouachitas—occur in southern
Oklahoma, other mountainous and hilly areas extend across many parts of the state.
The Wichita Mountains in the southwest consist of a core of granite, rhyolite, and
other igneous rocks emplaced during the Cambrian Period of geologic time, about 525
mya (million years ago). On the northeast they are flanked by thousands of feet of folded
and steeply dipping marine limestones and other sedimentary rocks deposited during
Late Cambrian and Ordovician time (515–425 mya). The relief between the hilltops and
nearby lowlands generally ranges from 400 to 1,100 feet, and the highest elevation, about
2,475 feet above sea level, is on an unnamed peak four miles east, southeast of Cooperton.
The best-known peak, Mount Scott, with a summit of 2,464 feet, can be reached by car or
bus and commands the most spectacular view of the area. Important mineral resources
produced here are granite, limestone, sand and gravel, and oil and gas. The mountains
have been prospected, with limited success, for gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, aluminum,
and iron ores.
The Arbuckle Mountains, an area of low to moderate hills in south-central Oklahoma,
contain a core of Precambrian granite and gneiss (a metamorphic rock) formed about
1,300 mya. Most of the Arbuckles consist of 15,000 feet of folded and faulted limestones,
dolomites, sandstones, and shales deposited in shallow seas from Late Cambrian through
Pennsylvanian times (515–290 mya). Relief in the area ranges from 100 to 600 feet, with
the highest elevation, 1,415 feet, in the West Timbered Hills, about seven miles west of
Interstate 35. Although low, the relief is still impressive, as it is six times greater than any
other topographic feature between Oklahoma City and Dallas, Texas. Two significant
features in the mountains are the deep road cuts on I-35, and the “tombstone topography,”
which looks like rows of tombstones in a field, and is the result of differential weathering
and erosion of alternating layers of hard and soft limestone. The Arbuckles contain the
most diverse suite of mineral resources in Oklahoma. Limestone, dolomite, glass sand,
granite, sand and gravel, shale, cement, iron ore, lead, zinc, tar sands, and oil and gas are
all minerals which are being produced or have been produced here.
The Ouachita Mountains (pronounced “Wa-she-tah”), in southeast Oklahoma, are
made up of rocks deposited in a deep sea that covered the area from Late Cambrian
through Early Pennsylvanian time (515–315 mya). The area was then folded and faulted
in such a manner that resistant beds of sandstone, chert, and novaculite (a fine-grained
silica rock, like flint) now form long, sinuous mountain ridges that tower 500–1,500 feet
above adjacent valleys formed in easily eroded shales. The highest elevation is 2,666 feet
Mountains
0 50 miles
on Rich Mountain. Major individual ridges within the Ouachitas are Winding Stair, Rich,
Kiamichi, Blue, Jackfork, and Blackjack mountains. Mineral resources include limestone,
quartzite, sand and gravel, asphaltite, lead, oil, and gas.
Mountains of the Arkansas River Valley are another group of high hills and moun-
tains scattered in the Arkansas River Valley of east-central Oklahoma. They include Sans
Bois, Cavanal, Sugar Loaf, Poteau, Beaver, Hi Early, and Rattlesnake mountains, among
others. These mountains typically are broad featured, capped by thick and resistant sand-
stones that stand 300–2,000 feet above the wide, hilly plains formed on thick shale units.
These sandstones and shales, deposited in the shallow seas and coastal areas covering
eastern Oklahoma in Early and Middle Pennsylvanian times (330–310 mya), were broadly
uplifted and folded during the Middle and Late Pennsylvanian uplift of the Ouachita
Mountains. The largest mountain area is the Sans Bois Mountains, north of Wilburton and
Red Oak. The highest summit, Sugar Loaf Mountain, is eight miles east of Poteau, and,
at 2,568 feet, rises 2,000 feet above the surrounding plains. Principal mineral resources
of the area are coal, oil and gas, clay, building stone, sand and gravel, and volcanic ash.
The Ozark Plateau, or the Ozarks of northeast Oklahoma, is best described as a deeply
dissected plateau. Bedrock units in the area are mostly flat-lying limestones and cherts
deposited in shallow seas during the Mississippian Period (365–330 mya).
To the south and southwest, the Ozarks include outcrops of sandstones and shales
deposited in shallow seas and coastal areas during Early Pennsylvanian time (330–315
mya). The Ozarks, including the Brushy or Boston mountains, were broadly uplifted
during, and since, Pennsylvanian time causing streams to be incised into the bedrock.
Relief in the Ozarks is 50 to 400 feet, typically, and the highest elevation, 1,745 feet, is on
Workman Mountain, eight miles east, southeast of Stilwell. The beauty of the Ozarks
and the abundant clear-water lakes have spawned many state parks. Important mineral
resources being produced are limestone, shale, cement, tripoli, sand and gravel, oil, and
gas. In the north is the world-famous Tri-State lead-zinc mining district (Miami-Picher
area), which led the United States in zinc production almost every year from 1918–1945,
and finally was closed in 1970.
The Glass Mountains, in north-central Major County, about six miles west of Orienta,
are an area of badlands topography, and are a prominent feature of the Blaine escarpment
that extends southeast to northwest across northwest Oklahoma. Outcropping rocks are
red-brown shales and siltstones, capped by several beds of resistant white gypsum; all
were deposited during the Permian Period (about 270 mya). Much of the gypsum looks
like glass fragments, and hence the name, “Glass Mountains.” “Mountains” is a misnomer;
they are actually prominent mesas, buttes, and escarpments. Flat-lying beds of caprock
gypsum and underlying shales originally extended far to the north and east, but have
been eroded back to the south and west to their present position. The local relief generally
ranges from 150 to 200 feet, and the elevation at the top of the high buttes is about 1,585 feet.
Black Mesa, in the northwest corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle, is the highest point
in the state, with an elevation of 4,973 feet. It is a plateau that rises about 600 feet above
the adjacent Cimarron River and North Carrizo Creek. In Oklahoma, Black Mesa is 0.5 to
one mile wide and three miles long, and is the erosional remnant of a finger-like basaltic
lava flow extruded from a volcano in southeast Colorado. The lava flow formed during
Tertiary time, about two to four mya, and occupied what was then a broad valley.
Streams
Oklahoma’s stream systems, in terms of geologic time, are temporary as to location and
flow rates. Eventually, streams will cut deeper, and their tributaries will erode nearby
uplands, thereby shifting their positions. Major drainage systems in Oklahoma were
initiated during the Pleistocene Epoch of geologic time (the last 1.65 million years or so),
a time characterized by erosion in Oklahoma. Pleistocene terrace deposits, one hundred
feet to more than 300 feet above modern flood plains, attests to the great erosion and
down cutting performed by major rivers in this period.
Oklahoma’s two major river basins are the Red River and Arkansas River basins. Flowing
into Oklahoma from six neighboring states, all the surface water leaving the state flows
into Arkansas via the Red, Arkansas, and Little rivers, and Lee Creek. The major rivers
and their tributaries flow to the east and southeast across Oklahoma.
Red River and its tributaries drain about 23,000 square miles in the southern third of
the state. The western most headwaters of Red River is a small tributary, Frio Draw, which
begins about thirty miles south of Tucumcari, New Mexico. It flows across the Texas Pan-
handle through Palo Duro Canyon, and then marks Oklahoma’s southern border (517 river
miles) with Texas. From there it flows through Arkansas into Louisiana, where it joins the
Atchafalaya River and enters Atchafalaya Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
At the southwest corner of Oklahoma, the main stem is called Prairie Dog Town Fork Red
River (PDTFRR); it is joined by Buck Creek two miles farther east, and from that point
eastward, it is officially called Red River. Lake Texoma is the only reservoir on the main
stem of Red River in Oklahoma; it holds the largest volume of water, 2.6 million acre feet,
in the state, and has the second largest surface area of 88,000 acres. The tributaries to
Red River have many other important lakes and reservoirs, such as Altus, Foss, Ellsworth,
Waurika, Arbuckle, McGee Creek, Sardis, Hugo, Pine Creek, and Broken Bow.
Major Oklahoma tributaries to Red River include Salt Fork Red River, North Fork Red
River, and Washita River, all of which contribute flow into Lake Texoma. Other tributar-
ies are Muddy Boggy Creek, and Kiamichi and Little rivers, each having its own tributary
system. There are also many other rivers and creeks that flow directly into Red River. At
the southeast corner of the state, Red River has an elevation of 305 feet. The lowest eleva-
tion in the state, 287 feet, is twenty miles to the north where Little River enters Arkansas.
The Arkansas River and its tributaries drain the northern two-thirds of Oklahoma,
nearly 47,000 square miles. The source of the Arkansas River is near the town of Leadville,
Colorado. The river flows eastward across southeast Colorado and western and central
Rivers and
Lakes
Kansas, turning south to enter Oklahoma at Kay County, north of Ponca City. It crosses
northeast Oklahoma to leave the state at Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Much of the Arkansas River has a series of locks and dams, the McClellan-Kerr Navigation
System, that link Oklahoma with barge traffic to the Mississippi River. Major lakes and
reservoirs on the main stem of the Arkansas River include (from the southeast) Robert S.
Kerr, Webbers Falls, Keystone, and Kaw. On the Canadian River, a major tributary to the
Arkansas in eastern Oklahoma, Eufaula Lake has the largest surface area in the state, with
105,500 acres, and the second largest volume with 2.3 million acre-feet. Many tributaries
to the Arkansas River have important lakes and reservoirs, such as Canton, Great Salt
Plains, Hefner, Overholser, Thunderbird, Carl Blackwell, Hulah, Skiatook, Oologah, Fort
Gibson, Hudson, Tenkiller Ferry, and Wister.
Major tributaries to the Arkansas River include the Canadian, North Canadian (named
Beaver River in the Panhandle, above Wolf Creek), and Deep Fork rivers, all flowing into
Eufaula Lake. Others are the Cimarron, Salt Fork, Caney, Verdigris, Neosho (Grand), and
Illinois rivers, each having its own tributary system. Many other rivers and creeks flow
directly into the Arkansas River. The lowest elevation, 385 feet, is where the river flows
into Arkansas at Fort Smith.
The Scenic Rivers of Oklahoma have such exceptional beauty and recreational value
that six of them have been officially designated as “scenic rivers,” and are protected by the
state legislature. One scenic river is in the Red River System—the upper part of Mountain
Fork, which flows into Broken Bow Lake in the Ouachita Mountains. The other five scenic
rivers are in the Arkansas River System, in the Ozark Plateau, and include parts of the
Illinois River and parts of Flint, Baron Fork, Lee, and Little Lee creeks.
The Salt Plains and Saline Rivers are an unusual feature of the Oklahoma landscape.
Natural dissolution of bedded salt (deposited during the Permian Period, about 270
mya) occurs at shallow depths in several parts of northwest and southwest Oklahoma.
The resultant high-salinity brine seeps to the surface in some of the state’s rivers. In the
Arkansas River drainage, Great Salt Plains on Salt Fork covers about twenty-five square
miles and is the largest salt flat. Others are Big Salt Plain and Little Salt Plain on Cimar-
ron River, and Ferguson Salt Plain just north of Watonga in Blaine County. In the Red
River drainage, the Caney, Kiser, and Robinson Salt plains are on Elm Fork in northern
Harmon County, south of Erick. All of these Oklahoma salt plains discharge brines to
the Arkansas and Red River systems, thus degrading the river waters and making them
generally unsuitable for industrial, municipal, or irrigation uses in parts of western and
central Oklahoma. The saline river waters are diluted by fresh-water inflow downstream
from the salt plains, and thus the water is mostly usable by the time it reaches Keystone
Lake and Lake Texhoma. Although the salt plains degrade the river waters, like most of
nature’s checks and balances they are a necessary part of the environment for the area’s
inhabitants, and they provide yet another aspect of the beautiful geological areas of the
state of Oklahoma.
Water
Oklahoma contains thirty-four major reservoirs with a combined surface area of 543,450
acres and storing more than 13 million acre-feet of water. The state’s largest lake in surface
area is Eufaula (105,000 acres); Lake Texoma is second (88,000 acres). The state’s largest
lake in conservation storage is Texoma (2.6 million acre-feet of water); Eufaula is second
(2.3 million ac-ft). Evaporation and percolation preclude immediate use of approximately
80 percent of Oklahoma’s water. Average annual lake evaporation ranges from forty-eight
inches in the extreme east to sixty-five inches in the southwest, numbers that far exceed
the average yearly rainfall in those areas.
Groundwater is the prevalent source of water in the western half of the state, accounting
for almost 90 percent of the total irrigation water use in Oklahoma. Underneath the state
are twenty-three major groundwater basins containing 320 million acre-feet of water in
storage, though only one-half of that amount may be recoverable.
According to the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, irrigation is the number one use of
water in Oklahoma; water supply is a close second, followed distantly by livestock water-
ing. The majority of the state’s surface water (approximately 60 percent) is used for public
water supply, followed by thermoelectric power generation and irrigation. The largest total
amount of freshwater withdrawn for irrigation purposes was in Texas County, followed
by Cimarron and Beaver counties, all in the Oklahoma Panhandle. The largest amount of
water withdrawn for water-supply purposes is in Cleveland County, followed by Coman-
che and Oklahoma counties. Livestock withdrawals are largest in Texas County, followed
by Cimarron and Alfalfa counties. The largest total amount of freshwater withdrawn for
thermoelectric-power generation purposes is in Muskogee County, followed by Rogers
and Seminole counties.
Groundwater
972
Wildlife
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is the state agency responsible for man-
aging fish and wildlife. The Wildlife Department receives no general state tax appropriations
and is supported by hunting and fishing license fees and federal excise taxes on hunting
and fishing equipment. The mission of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
is to manage Oklahoma’s wildlife resources and habitat to provide scientific, educational,
aesthetic, economic, and recreational benefits for present and future generations of hunters,
anglers, and others who appreciate wildlife.
In support of this statement, the agency is committed to: (1) conserving wildlife resources,
habitat, and biodiversity through scientific research, propagation, and management; (2)
balancing wildlife needs with those of people; supporting and promoting traditional uses
of wildlife through regulated fishing, hunting, and trapping consistent with sound manage-
ment principles; (3) informing and educating citizens so they will recognize the value of
wildlife resources and support department regulations and programs; (4) protecting wildlife
resources through increased awareness of and aggressive enforcement of wildlife laws and
regulations; (5) identifying and acknowledging diverse public interests in wildlife resources
and implementing responsible programs consistent with those interests; (6) promoting ethi-
cal private land and water practices; (7) maintaining and improving accessibility to wildlife
on private and public waters and lands; (8) serving as advocate and legal representative for
wildlife resources and habitat in environmental issues and actions that may impact these
resources; (9) protecting unique, threatened and endangered species and preserving their
habitats; (10) ensuring excellence in the pursuit of our mission through the hiring and con-
tinued training of qualified and experienced professionals; (11) and managing available funds
efficiently and seeking innovative revenue sources for the accomplishment of this mission.
The department is organized into five major divisions: administration, fisheries, information
and education, law enforcement and wildlife.
The Administration Division performs a great variety of tasks to support the agency’s
employees carrying out the department’s mission. The division sections include account-
ing, licensing, information technology, human resources, communications, and property.
The department’s Fisheries Division manages this important recreational resource, and
meets the challenge by focusing on management, research, and production.
The Information and Education Division informs Oklahoma citizens about department
programs, policies, and regulations.
The Law Enforcement Division enforces laws and regulations that protect Oklahoma’s wildlife
resources. Observance of wildlife laws protect the resource while providing opportunities
for fair and equitable usage by the sporting public.
To manage the state’s wildlife resources and their habitats the department’s Wildlife Divi-
sion provides hunting and other outdoor-recreational opportunities, through public lands
acquisition and management, cooperative and technical assistance for private landowners,
research and surveys, and education.
Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission

The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Okla-
homa Department of Wildlife Conservation. Commissioners serve eight-year terms and
are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Oklahoma Senate. The commission
establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department,
and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. The commission
also governs all department operations and financial transactions and meet the first Monday
of each month to conduct business.
Department Funding
The department remains a non-appropriated, user-pay/user-benefit agency that is funded
either directly or indirectly by hunting and fishing license sales. In fiscal year 2007 the
department operated with an estimated $36.6 million in revenue. Specifically, major revenue
sources are: annual license sales, $12 million; federal sportfish and wildlife restoration grant
revenue, $12.6 million – this income is based on a formula that includes certified number
of hunting and fishing licenses sold in the state; lifetime license fund interest income, $2.3
million; other wildlife sales, $2 million; agriculture and oil leases, $1.1 million; and miscel-
laneous income including donations, $1.1 million.
Agency Expenditures
Annual expenditures in FY 2009 were approximately $38,520,967. Expenditures by area
include $10.5 million for fisheries (27 percent of total budget); $10.3 million for wildlife (27
percent of total budget); $10.4 million for law enforcement (27 percent of total budget); $3.7
million for administration (10 percent of total budget); $2.3 million for transfer of principal
to lifetime license trust fund (6 percent of total budget); $2.3 million for information and
education (6 percent of total budget); and, $1.2 million for wildlife diversity and non-game
(3 percent of total budget).
Impact of Hunters and Anglers

on Oklahoma’s Economy
Hunters and anglers have a tremendous impact on the state’s economy. In FY 2007 hunters
in the state numbered 251,000. Total expenditures for hunters was $492 million. Hunting
activities resulted in 9,800 jobs, generated $251 million in salaries and wages, $49 million in
state tax revenue, and an $840 million ripple effect on the state’s economy.
Anglers in FY 2007 numbered 611,000. Total expenditures for anglers was $522 million. Fish-
ing resulted in 10,300 jobs, generated $273 million in salaries and wages, $57 million in state
tax revenue, and an $906 million ripple effect on the state’s economy.
A Legacy of Conservation
The department was initially created as a one-man agency in 1909. The first hunting license
was also created at a cost of $1.25 to fund the department, setting the precedent of a non-
appropriated, user-pay/user-benefit agency. In 1956, state voters passed a constitutional
amendment establishing the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation as the con-
stitutional agency it is today. The amendment was enacted in 1957, and the first board of
commissioners was created to oversee the department’s operation.
Recent Accomplishments
2008
• Lake Record Fish program established to recognize Oklahoma anglers and fish. Thirteen
major lakes and thirteen species of popular Oklahoma fish are included initially.
• On Nov. 4, 2008, Oklahomans voiced their opinions in the ballot box on hunting, fishing,
and trapping by amending the State Constitution to give all people the right to hunt,
trap, fish, and take game and fish. It also makes hunting, fishing, and trapping the
preferred means to manage certain fish and game animals.
• More than 3,000 acres in southeast Oklahoma are opened to public hunting and fishing
in LeFlore County’s Cucumber Creek area.
• Oklahoma Archery in the Schools program surpasses 100 school milestone and state
tournament draws more than 800 students.
2009
• Ground breaking occurred for the 7,000 square foot Oklahoma Conservation Education
and Training Center teaching facility. The new facility will host hunter education
and aquatic education classes and “Archery in the Schools” training.
• Record number of archers participated in the “Archery in the Schools” state shoot.
Over 1,000 students from approximately 160 schools participated.
• Oklahoma opened its first black bear hunting season
on October 1 in southeast Oklahoma.
• Oklahoma opened its first open antelope archery season in the Panhandle.
2010
• Big game hunting season expanded when the holiday anterless deer season was extend-
ed to one 10–day season and antler point requirements on bull elk were reduced.
Moreover, additional cow elk hunting days were added in portions of the state.
• Over 1,600 students participated in the “Archery in Schools” state shoot.
• Almost 4,000 Paddlefish were processed and studied at the state’s Paddlefish Research
and Processing Center. Prior to the center’s opening, the Wildlife Department had
only collected information from 240 fish since the late 1970s.
• The Wildlife Department approved a memorandum of agreement with OG&E to offset
impacts of a northwest Oklahoma wind farm on lesser prairie chickens. The agree-
ment secures $4.9 million for projects such as conservation easements to protect
undeveloped property, and management agreements to restore property with criti-
cal habitat for lesser prairie chickens.
• Oklahoma black bear archery season opened and closed in one day, when hunters
reached the quota of twenty bears on October 1 in southeastern Oklahoma. A total
of thirty-two black bears were harvested on October 1, which is thirteen more than
were harvested in approximately one month’s time in 2009.
Did you Know?

• Oklahoma ranks at the top of all states
when it comes to diversity of plant and animal life.
• The Selman Bat Cave Wildlife Management Area in northwest Oklahoma is home to
more that one million Mexican free-tailed bats. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
Conservation offers guided evening tours on the area each summer.
• There are over 1.5 million acres of wildlife management areas in every corner of the state
to explore.
• The four fish hatcheries run by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
annually raise and stock about 12 million fish each year.
• One in three Oklahoma citizens hunt or fish and one in three Oklahoma citizens enjoy
watching wildlife.
• Each year Oklahoma hunters donate about 16 tons of venison to the Hunters Against
Hunger program. That is enough meat to provide nutritious meals for nearly 133,000
families across the state.
Fred Marvel, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.
The Ouachita National Forest’s Talimena Scenic Drive

from Talihina, Oklahoma, to Mena, Arkansas (54 miles).
976
Astronomical Phenomena for

Oklahoma—2011 and 2012
Wayne Harris-Wyrick—Director, Kirkpatrick Planetarium
Eclipses
An eclipse occurs whenever the sun, Earth, and the Moon align in space. If the Moon is
between the sun and Earth, a solar eclipse occurs. Whenever the Moon completely covers
the sun as seen from some part of Earth, we experience a total solar eclipse. Total solar
eclipses are rather common. One or two occur almost every year somewhere on our planet.
They are quite rare, however, for any given location. A total solar eclipse is visible only over
a very narrow path on Earth’s surface, although everyone for hundreds of miles either side
of the path of totality sees a partial eclipse. During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon only
covers a part of the sun’s disk. They are more common from a given location, but much less
spectacular. The central path of a total solar eclipse may miss Earth in such a way that some
parts of our planet experience a partial solar eclipse even though no total eclipse is visible
anywhere on the planet.
On rarer occasions, Earth experiences an annular solar eclipse. Since the Moon’s distance
from Earth varies slightly, it sometimes looks slightly smaller than the sun. The Moon is
always nearly four hundred times smaller than the sun in actual size, but being four hundred
times closer it normally appears slightly larger. If a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is
farthest from Earth, it won’t quite cover the sun. An “annulus”, a ring of fire from the sun’s
edge, surrounds the Moon like a celestial donut in the sky. The rarest type of eclipse is a
combination annual-total solar eclipse. During such an event, the Moon moves ever so
slightly closer to Earth and what starts as an annular eclipse becomes a total eclipse during
the middle of the event. Or it may begin as a total eclipse then become an annular eclipse
as the Moon inches away from Earth.
If Earth passes between the sun and Moon, our planet blocks the sunlight striking the Moon’s
surface, and we see a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse, whether partial or total, is visible from
most parts of Earth where it’s night at the time of the eclipse.
The Moon’s color and brightness both change dramatically during an eclipse. The overall
brightness decreases by a factor of several hundred or more. During a total lunar eclipse,
the color changes can appear rather bizarre. The brilliant white Moon may become copper-
colored or turn deep blood red. No wonder such sights frightened ancient civilizations.
A Solar eclipse can only occur at new Moon, when the Moon is directly between Earth and
sun. A lunar eclipse can only occur at full Moon, when Earth is directly between the Moon
and the sun. For most new and full Moon phases, the three objects, sun, Earth, and Moon,
do not line up exactly and no eclipse occurs. This is due to the fact that the Moon’s orbit is
tilted compared the Earth’s orbit around the sun. Generally if the alignment between the
three objects is close enough to cause a lunar eclipse to occur at any given full Moon phase,
the alignment is usually close enough for there to be a solar eclipse at the new Moon phase
either two weeks before or after the lunar eclipse, but not typically both. During this two-
year period, there will occur that rare case in which a solar eclipse occurs on the new Moon
phase both before and after a total lunar eclipse.
During 2011 and 2012, there will be six solar eclipses and four lunar eclipses. The first eclipse
of the period is a partial solar that takes place on January 4. It occurs in the local morning
hours and is only visible from Europe, northern Africa and western Asia. Its partner lunar
eclipse occurred on December 21, 2010. A total lunar eclipse occurs on June 15, 2011, the
deepest such eclipse seen on Earth since July 16, 2000. Only viewers in Africa and SW Asia
will witness it. No part of it is visible from North America. Because the Moon passes almost
through the very center of Earth’s shadow, there are two partner solar eclipses, both partial.
The first is on June 1, visible from far northern Canada and far eastern Russia. The second
one occurs on July 1, visible only from the far southern tip of Africa and parts of Antarctica.
A partial solar eclipse, visible only from Antarctica, occurs on November 25, 2011 followed by
another total lunar eclipse on December 10. It starts shortly before sunrise for North America
and the Moon sets before totality even begins. Go to SE Asia or Australia to see this one.
The first eclipse of 2012 is an annular solar eclipse on May 20. The annular eclipse will be
visible shortly before sunset for parts of western and SW United States and a partial eclipse
will be visible over almost all of North America. The associated lunar eclipse happens on
June 4. It will be a shallow eclipse, but will be visible from most of North America, although
for most of the continent, the Moon will set before the eclipse ends. The best solar eclipse
of the period occurs on November 13, a total solar eclipse, but the path of totality spans the
Pacific Ocean and touches almost no land masses. (May be a good time for a Pacific cruise.
)The related lunar eclipse is a very slight partial on November 28, but it is so weak, you’ll
likely not even notice it.
For more detailed information on eclipses, see NASA’s eclipse page at
eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html
Seasons
A common misconception holds that seasons come about because of the varying distance
between Earth and the sun. Actually, Earth is closest to the sun in early January and at its
most distant in early July. Seasons occur because our planet’s north-south axis leans over
a bit compared to our orbit around the sun. During summer, the North Pole slants toward
the sun. We receive more direct sunlight, and because the sun passes higher overhead, we
enjoy longer days. During winter, the North Pole tilts away from the sun. We receive less
direct energy from the sun, and the shorter days mean colder temperatures (see the section
Determining the Sun’s Position and Number of Hours of Sunlight per Day). Technically,
each season starts at a particular instant of time.
Year Spring Summer Fall Winter
2011 Mar 20, 6:20 pm Jun 21, 12:16 pm Sep 23, 4:04 am Dec 21, 11:30 pm
2012 Mar 20, 12:14 am Jun 20, 6:08 pm Sep 22, 9:48 am Dec 21, 5:11 am
Moon Phases
The table below lists the phases of the Moon for 2011 and 2012. A full Moon rises more or less
at sunset. A new Moon is between Earth and the sun, and not visible. The quarter phases
occur between the new and full phases. A Blue Moon refers to the second full Moon in the
same calendar month, Like December 2011. They happen, on average once every two and
one-half years. Since February has only 28 (or 29) days in it, and the full lunar cycle takes
29–1/2 days, February occasionally contains only three of the four lunar phases. The next
three-phase February occurs in 2012. About every two or three decades, February’s missed
full Moon occurs on January 31, the second one in January, and the next full Moon also skips
February, making another Blue Moon in March, a double Blue Moon year. The next double
Blue Moon won’t happen until 2018.
2011 2012
New Full New Full
Jan 4 Jan 19 Jan 23 Jan 9
Feb 2 Feb 18 Feb 12 Feb 7
Mar 4 Mar 19 Mar 22 Mar 8
Apr 3 Apr 18 Apr 21 Apr 6
May 3 May 17 May 20 May 5
Jun 1 Jun 15 Jun 19 Jun 4
Jul 1 & 30 Jul 15 Jul 19 Jul 3
Aug 29 Aug 13 Aug 17 Aug 1 & 31*
Sep 27 Sep 12 Sep 16 Sep 29
Oct 26 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 29
Nov 25 Nov 10 Nov 13 Nov 28
Dec 24 Dec 10 Dec 13 Dec 28
* Blue Moon
Meteor Showers
On any dark, clear night away from artificial lights, you occasionally see a brief streak of light
zip across the sky. We often call them “falling stars” or “shooting stars.” They are actually
meteors, tiny bits of space rock that enter our atmosphere at speeds up to 150,000 miles
per hour. At such speeds they heat the surrounding air to incandescence from friction and
pressure, creating the streak of light we see.
Several times a year we see greater numbers of meteors for a few nights. These events are
called meteor showers. Meteor showers come from comets. Comets are huge, dirty snowballs
that orbit our sun like the planets. When a comet enters the inner part of the solar system,
the sun’s heat will vaporize the outer layer of the comet’s icy body, freeing the trapped dirt
and rock. The debris remains in the comet’s orbital path around the sun.
As it revolves around the sun, Earth may cross a comet’s orbital path. Earth will encounter
the comet’s orbit on or near the same day each year. Our planet slams into the debris trail,
and we see a meteor shower.
Several meteor showers occur throughout the year. Meteor showers are named for the
constellation they appear to radiate from. The list below contains the most active meteor
showers. A typical shower produces only one meteor every minute or two, so perhaps
“meteor drizzle” is a better term.
The Leonid meteor shower occurs on November 17. Its parent comet, Tempel-Tuttle, orbits the
sun every 33 years. The debris is heavily concentrated behind the comet, so every 33 years we
see a spectacular Leonid meteor shower. The comet passed by in 1966. That year the Leonids
set the record for meteor shower activity with as many as 140 visible per second for a brief
period of time. The Leonids in 1998 peaked at around 1000 per hour. In 1999 through 2002,
Leonid meteor shower displayed dramatic activity, but has decreased steadily ever since.
While none of these showers were as active as the 1966 Leonids, they displayed numerous
and bright fireballs. However on the last outbound leg, the comet and its debris trail passed
very close to Jupiter. Jupiter’s massive gravity altered the orbital path of the comet and its
debris, possibly ending Leonid meteor storms forever. That may not be the end of meteor
showers from Comet Tempel-Tuttle, though. In another one hundred years or so, the comet
will again pass near Jupiter, bending its course back close to Earth’s orbit. Since the meteor
shower will appear to come out of a different constellation, it will have a new name.
Meteor Shower Date # per hour Parent Comet

Quadrantids January 3 50 2003 EH!
Lyrids April 22 25 Thatcher
Eta Aquarids May 6 20 Halley
Delta Aquarids July 29 20 unknown
Perseids August 12 50 Swift-Tuttle
Orionids October 21 25 Halley
Leonids November 17 15 Tempel-Tuttle
Geminids December 14 50 Phaethon
Ursids December 22 20 Tuttle
Generally, the best viewing time for a meteor shower is from midnight to six a.m. The far-
ther away from city lights, the more meteors you can see. A full or third quarter moon (see
Moon Phases) will also hinder meteor observations. The date listed for each shower is the
evening before the a.m. peak. For example, to see the Perseid shower, stay up past midnight
on August 11 to the early morning hours of the 12.
Planet Visibility
The closer a planet orbits the sun, the faster it moves. Mercury and Venus orbit so rapidly,
changes in their positions can be noted almost night to night. While Mars moves more slowly
than either Mercury or Venus, an “optical illusion” occasionally makes Mars appear to really
zip across the night sky. When Earth and Mars are on the same side of the sun, Earth’s orbital
motion makes Mars appear to move much faster than normal, sometimes even backward.
This is much like passing a slower moving car on the highway. From your point of view, that
slower car appears to be moving in reverse. The same apparent reverse motion also happens
with all of the planets beyond Earth, but for Mars the effect is most obvious. While Mars,
Jupiter, and Saturn never actually backtrack in their orbits around the sun, they do appear
to back up once in a while, what astronomers call retrograde motion.
It’s generally not difficult to distinguish planets from stars. You’ve never sung the song
“Twinkle, Twinkle Little Planet” because planets don’t twinkle, stars do. Also, the visible
planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are brighter than most or all of the stars
in the night sky. Bright non-twinkling “stars” are most likely planets.
Mercury
Mercury makes very brief appearances, often no more than a week or two at a time, alter-
nating between short morning appearances with equally brief evening appearances and
always deep in the sun’s twilight glow. It begins 2011 in the morning, but disappears by the
end of January to reappear in the evening in mid-March. Morning appearances reoccur
throughout most of May, late August to early September and mid December 2011 plus late
April, late August, and early December of 2012. Other evening appearances of the two year
period occur in early July and November of 2011, and late February to early March and the
last halves of both June and October in 2012.
Venus
Like Mercury, Venus alternates between morning and evening appearances, never being
seen the late night hours. Venus begins 2011 in the morning sky where it stays throughout
the first half of the year. By mid-September, Venus returns to the evening sky by September,
remaining there until late May 2012. By mid-June, Venus is back in the morning sky and stays
there through the remainder of the year.
Mars
Mars is hidden at the beginning of the year, up with the sun in the daylight hours. It appears
in the morning sky by mid May and remains in the sky through the entire year, slowly mov-
ing into the evening sky by the end of the year and remains there until March of 2012 when
it again moves into the morning sky. It remains there until the end of 2012.
Jupiter
Our solar system’s largest planet, Jupiter, could swallow 1,400 Earths. Jupiter and the other
outer planets move very slowly as they orbit the Sun, so slowly that these planets may spend
an entire year, perhaps even a decade, within the same constellation.
Jupiter begins 2011 in the evening sky until mid-March, to reappear in the morning sky by
early May, crossing over into the evening sky again by late July, remaining there until the
end of the year.
Saturn
Saturn, moving even slower than Jupiter, can stay in the same constellation for a year or
more. Saturn spends the entire two year period in the constellation of Virgo. It begins 2011
in the morning sky, moving into the evening sky in March where it stays until it disappears
into the sunset twilight in September of 2011, only to reappear in the morning sky a few weeks
later and start the cycle all over.
Uranus and Neptune

Uranus and Neptune are both so far from the sun they seem to barely creep along in the sky,
moving very little over the course of two years. Uranus, just barely visible to the unaided
human eye from a dark location, begins 2011 very close to Jupiter, but with the two planets
slowly separating from each other. Uranus disappears into the evening twilight by early
March, reappears in the morning sky s few weeks later and remains there until it slowly
slides into the evening sky in June where it remains all the rest of 2011. Uranus in 2012 is a
virtual duplicate of 2011.
Neptune begins 2011 in the evening sky, disappears from there in early February and enters
the morning sky by early April. It then slips into the evening sky by mid-August remaining
an evening object throughout 2011 and duplicates that in 2012.
Pluto
In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union, the governing body of astronomers
worldwide, voted on a definition of the word “planet” that dropped Pluto from that clas-
sification. One astronomer described is as correcting a seventy-six year old mistake made
when Pluto was discovered in 1930. The new definition of planet is: the object must be round,
or nearly so, due to its gravity. It can’t be a star—a round astronomical body that sustains
nuclear reactions in its core—but it has to orbit one. It has to gravitationally dominate all
other objects in its region of the solar system. That is, it has to be large enough that its grav-
ity essentially sweeps up everything in that region of the solar system. This clause is what
caused Pluto’s demotion.
There are lots of things that share Pluto’s region of the solar system. Pluto is less massive
than the combined total mass of other objects in its orbital region. Pluto may not even be
the largest object orbiting the sun in that part of the solar system, known as the Kuiper Belt.
As the official definition of “planet” states, Pluto hasn’t gravitationally “cleared the neigh-
borhood around its orbit.”
Pluto is now considered the prototype of a new class of solar system objects called “Dwarf
Planets.” Dwarf Planets meet all of the criteria of being a true planet except for that of gravi-
tationally dominating all other objects in its region combined. There are 5 known Dwarf
Planets in our solar system: Pluto, Makemake, Haumea, Eris (all in the Kuiper Belt) and Ceres,
the largest member of the Asteroid Belt between Mars and Jupiter. Current astronomical
discoveries include more than a dozen other objects orbiting the sun that may eventually
qualify as dwarf planets. Some astronomers believe there may be a hundred or more dwarf
planets in our solar system. Dwarf Planets that orbit beyond Neptune have been grouped
into a special classification: Plutoids, to honor the former planet and its discoverer, Clyde
Tombaugh.
Why Pluto Is Not A Planet: An Analogy

When Pluto was discovered in 1930 by Clyde Tombaugh, he was looking for a ninth planet.
He discovered an object at the expected distance from the sun, moving at the right speed
as it orbited the sun. Astronomers around the world declared it to be a planet. At first they
thought it might even be about the size of Earth.
But all of that was before computers and modern instruments. The more astronomers stud-
ied Pluto, the more they realized that it wasn’t really much like the other planets. It turned
out to be very small: seven moons, including our own, are larger than Pluto. It had a weird
orbit: long and skinny and tilted quite a bit compared to the other planets, both more like a
comet than a planet. Its composition turned out to be more like a comet too: frozen methane,
ammonia, carbon dioxide and water ice dominate its surface.
Think of it this way: suppose you have something that is hard, long, and skinny and round
and if you sharpen one end of it, you find a dark material inside that can leave marks on
paper. You decide to call it a pencil. You soon realize that pencils come in several variations:
some are round, some are hexagonal; they come in different colors and sizes. Some even
write in different colors.
Then one day you find something a bit different. It’s round, has a thin paper covering over
a thick center that’s soft, but if you sharpen one end, you can draw on paper, so you call it
a pencil. You call it a pencil because that’s all you know that draws on paper. But later you
find more of these, in all different colors and soon you have more of them than you do the
other things you have been calling pencils. Eventually you realize that these are really dif-
ferent kinds of objects, so you no longer call them pencils, but instead call them crayons.
That’s what happened to Pluto. Almost from its discovery, astronomers began to notice that
it was really different from the other planets, more different than they were from each other.
In 2006, astronomers decided to reclassify Pluto, correcting a mistake they had made 76
years earlier. So the simple answer is that Pluto is no longer a planet because, really, it was
never a planet. We just didn’t know it at the time.
Conjunction
A conjunction occurs whenever two or more objects in our solar system appear close together
in our sky. Many millions of miles separate the bodies in space, but from our viewpoint on
Earth they seem to be very close. Two planets very rarely “line up,” appearing as one bright
object, but several conjunctions occur over the two-year period including some very close
ones. While the table below lists times when two or more bodies within our solar system
appear close together as seen from Earth, the planets move constantly, changing their rela-
tive positions nightly. On an even longer time frame, the stars themselves slowly move in
their individual orbits around the Milky Way galaxy. Every night, every hour, every minute
presents an absolutely unique astronomical sight, never exactly the same as any other
instant of time, ever.
Objects Date Time Comments

Venus/Jupiter May 11, 2011 7:00 am Mercury nearby
Venus/Mars May 23, 2011 6:50 am Mercury nearby
Venus/Jupiter March 13, 2012 7:00 pm Not close but very bright
Moon/Jupiter Sep. 8, 2012 4:00 am Moon is half full
Venus/Saturn Nov. 26–27, 2012 6:30 am Very close for 2 days
Moon/Jupiter Dec. 25, 2012 6:00 pm Closest in daylight
The table above lists the good conjunctions to watch for in 2011–2012. For conjunctions to
be listed, the two objects appear no more than two Moon diameters, one degree, apart.
Only those conjunctions with the pair at least six degrees above the horizon, roughly the
width of a fist held at arm’s length, and the sun is at least six degrees below the horizon, are
listed. “Time” indicates the best time to view the conjunction, not necessarily the closest
approach of the two bodies. “AM” generally means looking in the morning before sunrise,
and “PM” means after sunset in the evening. The closest spacing between the two objects
may occur in daylight or when they are below the horizon. Conjunctions involving Neptune
will require binoculars or a telescope due to its faintness. While Uranus is just within the
visibility of the unaided human eye from a dark location, it is so faint you might need a pair
of binoculars to see it.
Paper Strip Solar System Model

The planets of our solar system are so far apart in relationship to their sizes that no model
can accurately recreate both the size of the planets and their spacing to the same scale. Either
the spacing must be dramatically reduced relative to the scale of planetary diameters, or
the planets themselves are too small to be seen without a microscope. Here is a model of
the solar system that you can carry in your pocket. And although you won’t be able to see
the planets to the proper size scale, its size is personalized to you.
Materials: Cash Register paper roll, Pen, Scissors
Cut a strip of paper equal to your height (or your child’s height), which is roughly the same as
their fingertip-to-fingertip length of outstretched arms. This will represent your solar system,
from the sun to the outermost parts. Label one end Sun and label the other end the Kuiper
Belt. The Kuiper Belt is the outermost region of our solar system, the location of Pluto and
the other Plutoids, and the source of large comets such as Halley’s Comet.
Fold the strip in half so that the Sun and the Kuiper Belt ends touch, and crease it at the fold.
Open it up and draw a line at the fold. Label that line Uranus.
Fold the Kuiper Belt end of the paper strip to Uranus and crease. Label that line Neptune.
Fold the Sun end of the paper strip to Uranus and crease. Label the line Saturn.
Fold the Sun to Saturn and crease. Label the line Jupiter.
Fold the Sun to Jupiter and crease. Label it Asteroid Belt (A.B. in illustration) or Ceres,
the largest member of the asteroid belt. This is what you should have at this point:
The Paper Strip Model of the Solar System

4th fold 3rd fold 1st fold 2nd fold
Sun Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Kuiper Belt

A.B.
Now it gets crowded. Fold Sun to Asteroid Belt and crease. Draw line and label it Mars. Fold Sun
to Mars and then fold new edge to Mars again, crease all, making 3 new crease lines. Unfold
and draw lines at new creases. Label them (from Sun outward) Mercury, Venus, and Earth.
On this scale, the Sun is roughly the size of the pen tip used to write the names. It is the only
object you could see on this scale without a powerful microscope.
Determining the Sun’s Position and the

Number of Hours of Sunlight Per Day
Because of Earth’s daily rotation, the sun, moon, and the stars appear to move slowly across
the sky. They “rise” in the east and “set” in the west. Of course they do not really move; we
do. Earth rotates from west to east, so the sun, moon, planets, and the stars appear to move
from east to west. Really, we are moving out from under them.
Over the course of a year, Earth orbits the sun, creating our seasons. This causes the sun’s
daily motion across the sky to vary at different times of the year. During summer, the sun
passes nearly overhead. In winter, the sun arcs low across the sky in the south. The number
of hours of daylight also varies with the seasons. Indeed this varying height of the sun,
caused by Earth’s tilt, and the subsequent varying number of daylight hours is the cause of
our seasons. If Earth were not tilted, we would not have seasons and the amount of daylight
would be constant.
The chart Altitude and Azimuth of the Sun (page 985) gives the sun’s location in the sky for
any day and time, and can be used to calculate the number of daylight hours.
Altitude represents the height of the sun above the horizon, measured in degrees. The horizon
is zero degrees. The point straight up at the center of the sky (the zenith) is altitude ninety
degrees. Halfway up is forty-five degrees (see How to Measure Distances and Time Using
the Stars). Azimuth represents the sun’s compass direction, also measured in degrees. Due
north is zero degrees, due east is ninety degrees, due south is 180 degrees, and due west is
270 degrees.
The graph shows the sun’s altitude and azimuth throughout the day for the twenty-second
of each month. Other days can be inferred easily from the chart. The sun’s daily path is sym-
metrical in the morning and afternoon, so only half of the graph is shown.
At noon, the sun is due south (during daylight savings time, this occurs at 1:00; the sun does
not care about saving daylight!). From the chart, the sun at noon would be zero degrees
from south, or at azimuth 180. For morning hours, subtract the azimuth reading from 180;
for afternoon hours add the reading to 180.
For example, on December 22, two hours before noon, the sun is at altitude twenty-six
degrees, and is thirty degrees east of south or azimuth 150 (180 – 30). At 2:00, the sun would
be thirty degrees west of south, azimuth 210 degrees (180 + 30).
On March and September 22, the sun rises six hours before noon, and sets six hours after
noon, so both of those days are exactly twelve hours long (those happen to be the vernal and
autumnal equinoxes, the first day of spring and fall, respectively). On June 22, the summer
solstice, the sun rises a bit over seven hours before noon, so that day is nearly fourteen and
one-half hours long, the longest day of the year.
Light Pollution
Today, people who live in or near large cities have lost the beauty of the night sky. From
within or near even small cities and towns, many stars are washed out by the increasing use
of outdoor lighting at night. The graceful arch of the Milky Way across the night sky is visible
only well away from urban lighting.
While there is a great need for nighttime lighting, there are adverse effects created by the
many sources of outdoor light. Glare, light trespass, and light clutter contribute to inferior
nighttime environment, reducing visibility and safety. Light, and the energy used to create
it, are wasted if put where it is not needed, such as beaming upward into the night sky. It is
simply wasted light, energy, and money.
Light that shines directly into a driver’s eyes from a streetlight does not aid the driver in see-
ing at night. This glare actually deteriorates the driver’s ability to see, and could lead to an
accident. A security light that sprays bright light over a large area may make it impossible to
see into the dark shadows, and may help create the very problem it was meant to solve. Good
lighting, properly directed, provides safety, security, and reduces cost and energy waste.
Astronomers suffer most severely from poorly designed and improperly aimed lighting.
We have all seen billboards illuminated at night from upward-pointing lights. This lighting
arrangement makes the beams of light visible for miles to drivers, calling attention to the
billboard’s message. While this may be a smart advertising ploy, it is terrible for astronomers
trying to glean information from faint cosmic objects.
Many cities around major professional observatories have implemented outdoor lighting
bans or strict lighting controls to aid astronomers. There are ways you can help in the fight
against light pollution.
1. Use only as much light as you need, and put it where you want it. Excess light creates glare
and dark shadows, both of which reduce safety and security. Use fixtures with recessed
sockets, the type in which the lamp is not directly visible. This reduces glare and prevents
stray light from getting up into the night sky.
2. Use the right kind of light. Incandescent light bulbs are not very cost effective. Vapor lights
are generally cheaper. But not all vapor lights are equally good for astronomy. Mercury vapor
lights shine with a bright blue-white light. High-pressure sodium vapor lights give off a yel-
lowish glow. Both are commonly used in streetlights and home security lights.
Low-pressure sodium vapor lights are the best alternative for astronomy. They glow a deep
yellow-orange color. That color makes objects look a bit odd, but this type of light has several
advantages. They cost half as much as high-pressure sodium vapor lights and a third as much
as mercury vapor lights to operate. Over the course of a year that savings could amount to
millions of dollars for a typical city.
Altitude and Azimuth of the Sun June
1 80
for the 22nd Day May–July
of each Month 2 70
at 35˚ North Latitude April–August
3 60
March–September
4
Hours 50
Before or After February–October
Noon
5 40
January–November
30
6 December
Altitude (in degrees)
20
7 10
120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
Azimuth (in degrees from south) • East (AM) or West (PM)

Since low-pressure sodium vapor lights emit a single color of light, it is very simple for
astronomers to filter that light out. If all outdoor lighting consisted of low vapor sodium
lights, astronomers would have no loss of ability to observe the heavens.
For more information about light pollution and proper lighting, write the International
Dark-Sky Association, 3545 N Stewart, Tucson AZ 85716.
How To Find Directions

Directions are easily found at night, if the sky is clear and if you know the constellations. Look
at the four seasonal star charts on previous pages. On all four charts the constellation Ursa
Minor is in the north. We commonly call Ursa Minor the Little Dipper. The star that marks
the end of the Little Dipper’s handle is Polaris, the North Star. That star is almost directly
over Earth’s north pole. As our planet rotates, causing the stars to appear to rise, move, and
set Polaris stays in the same spot, over Earth’s north pole. Because of that special location,
Polaris is the one star visible from the northern hemisphere that does not appear to move
at all. It always marks the direction North.
In the daytime, we cannot use Polaris to determine North. But we can use the one star
visible in the daytime, our sun. Our sun is always due south at solar noon. At that time, all
shadows point due north. The problem is that solar noon does not occur when your clock
says 12:00. Your location within your time zone affects exactly what the clock reads at solar
noon. Because Earth orbits the sun in an ellipse, not a circle, the time from one solar noon
to the next is not always exactly twenty-four hours.
To locate North, find a convenient pole (fence pole, flag pole, etc.) or push a straight stick
upright in the ground. When clock time reaches 11:15 am, start measuring the length of the
pole or stick’s shadow. The shadow gets shorter for the first few measurements, but eventu-
ally the shadow begins to lengthen. The shortest shadow occurs exactly at solar noon, and
points due north.
To make such an activity more fun, try using people instead of sticks or poles. Go outside in
the morning. While one student stands on a sidewalk or blacktop, have another trace out
the location of the first student’s feet. This is necessary so that the student can stand in the
same place later. Trace out the standing student’s shadow on the ground.
Come back to the same spot in the afternoon. Have the student place his feet in the exact
same spot, as marked by the traced footprints. Once again trace the student’s shadow. You
now have a record of the different locations of the sun in the sky!
For young children, the concept of Earth’s rotation is extremely difficult. After all, we do
not feel any motion, although in Oklahoma we are moving at 850 miles per hour as Earth
rotates. And we can easily see that the sun “moves” across the sky during the day and the
Moon “moves” at night.
How to Measure Distances

and Time Using the Stars
Distances in the sky are measured in degrees, just as the altitude and azimuth of the sun.
Estimates of such distances can be made with your hand. Make a fist and stretch your arm
out full length. The span across your knuckles from the first finger to the pinky equals ten
degrees. Ten degrees is about equal to the span across the top of the Big Dipper’s bowl. Stretch
your fingers out wide and your hand spans about eighteen degrees, roughly two-thirds the
width of the Big Dipper, or the distance diagonally across Orion (see star maps). The space
between your knuckles is about three degrees, the length of Orion’s belt. These measures
can be used to estimate position in the sky. At 10:00 am, December 22, the sun is twenty-six
degrees above the horizon, or about 2.5 “fists” (see “Determining the Sun’s Position”). The
highest the sun gets in Oklahoma is eighty degrees, or eight “fists” high.
The diagram above indicates some distances using a few familiar constellations. Hand
measurements let you quickly judge height or separation of objects in the sky. These hand
measurements can be used to estimate the passage of time, too. Earth rotates once every
day. In that twenty-four-hour period, Earth rotates through 360 degrees, or fifteen degrees
per hour. By the time a star has moved the width of your outstretched hand, just over an hour
has passed. Your closed fist measures about half an hour, and movement across your first
two knuckles equals ten minutes. To measure the passage of time, note the location of some
star, planet or the Moon near a tree, housetop, utility pole or other convenient marker, or find
one near the eastern horizon. Periodically gauge its movement with your hand. Cowboys in
the past measured time this same way when herding cattle at night.
Meteorites
Often while working in a field or yard, people stumble across an odd rock that just doesn’t
look or feel like other rocks in the area. These are often mistaken for a meteorite. Actual
meteorite finds are quite rare, except in those areas near a known asteroid impact like the
Barringer Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona.
Two common mistakes lead to most incorrect identifications of a terrestrial rock being a
meteorite. Most people are not familiar with the variety of rocks that may be found in the
area. Much of western Oklahoma is covered with red sandstone. Any other type of rock,
especially dark-colored ones, may be mistaken for a meteorite by someone unaware that
other types of rock might also exist in the area.
Often, rocks appear on the surface of a field where few if any other rocks are found, per-
haps even in a small depression. Rocks buried underground can work their way up to the
surface. You see a similar effect by opening a can of mixed nuts. The small peanuts are all at
the bottom and the larger Brazil nuts and pecans lie on top. As the can of nuts is handled,
the smaller peanuts fall through spaces between larger nuts, and the larger ones “float” to
the top, even though they are much heavier than the smaller nuts. Large, dense rocks may
work to the surface the same way.
Meteorites come in one of three types. Iron meteorites consist almost entirely of iron and
nickel, and are thought to originate in the cores of large asteroids. Early in the life of our solar
system, these large asteroids differentiated, that is iron, nickel, iridium, platinum, and other
metals sunk to the center, just as in Earth, while the object remained in a liquefied state.
The asteroids cooled and solidified with a metallic core and a rocky surface. Later, massive
collisions with each other broke them apart, freeing the pure metallic parts, the source of
iron meteorites. The outer, rocky material provides the source for stony meteorites, while
the interface between the two regions is the source for stony-iron meteorites. All meteorites
contain at least small amounts of nickel and iron, just as these metals can be found at the
surface of Earth.
Most meteorites possess properties that distinguish them from terrestrial rocks. Meteor-
ites tend to be far denser than ordinary rock; typically two to three times their density. All
meteorites share at least some affinity for a magnet, and most are highly attracted to one.
Meteorites never have a spongy or porous structure on the surface or in the interior.
As a meteorite flies through the atmosphere at tremendous speeds, it creates great friction
with the air molecules around it. The heat generated by the friction heats the air to incandes-
cence, the glowing trail behind a meteor in the night sky. The surface of the meteorite gets
quite hot too, but the meteorite came from space where its temperature may have been below
–2000 F. for millions or billions of years. The flight of a few seconds through our atmosphere
cannot warm the interior, and within a minute or two, the meteorite is freezing to the touch.
The heat of passage through the air creates a black “fusion crust” on the meteorite, although
it will weather to a rusty brown color within a few months or years. The surface of the mete-
orite is often slightly melted by the heat of atmospheric entry, leaving small indentations
resembling thumbprints, or flow lines where melted material flowed over the meteorite. The
interiors of most meteorites shine like metallic silver. Meteorites are almost never round or
rough, but have irregular shapes and a smooth surface.
In many locations around Oklahoma, iron smelting occurred in the past. It may have been
a railroad foundry works, an old army base or blacksmith shop. Bits of old iron slag exist in
many of these places, and are often mistaken for a meteorite. They generally will have little
or no attraction for a magnet, but will show metallic luster on the inside.
If You Suspect You Have Found a Meteorite

Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory suggests that you ask the following:
Is the object solid, not porous? Yes or No
Is the object of irregular shape? Yes or No
Is the object very heavy for its size? Yes or No
Is the object black or brown on the outside? Yes or No
Does the interior look shiny and metallic? Yes or No
Is the object different from the country rocks? Yes or No
If you answered, “Yes” to all these questions you almost certainly have a meteorite. If you
answered “No” to most of the questions, it’s probably not. With only one or two “No”s, it may
still be a meteorite. Only sensitive chemical tests can answer the question for certain. Your
local planetarium or university can usually recommend a testing facility. Inquiries may be
made at the University of Oklahoma Department of Geology and Geophysics at 405/325–3253.
Does Life Exist Elsewhere in the Universe?

Life first appeared on Earth around 3.8 billion years ago; at least the oldest known fossils
date from that time. Earth itself was formed 4.6 billion years ago, along with all the rest of
the solar system. But for the first few hundred million years of its existence, Earth was a
molten ball of magma. Almost as soon as Earth cooled to a reasonable temperature, the
first simple, one-celled life forms came into existence. All other life on Earth evolved from
those first living cells. Today, life exists everywhere on Earth where the temperature is below
the boiling point of water, and even in some places where water is hotter than that. In every
environment on Earth where water exists, life does, too.
Mars formed at the same time Earth did. Today, Mars is a frozen world, where temperatures
rarely climb above the freezing point of water. It has one percent as much atmosphere as
Earth, and no ozone layer to protect the surface from deadly cosmic rays and UV radiation.
Landers and rovers on the surface of Mars, in conjunction with orbiters taking high resolu-
tion images of the surface, have changed the standard scientific view of Mars. At one time
Mars was very Earth-like. Geological evidence suggests that it had a thick atmosphere,
rivers, lakes, and oceans. The surface water on Mars may have existed for geologically long
periods of time. There are even caves on Mars and perhaps underground water exists in deep
aquifers. In short, it was a perfect place for life to exist. And it reached those life-supporting
conditions before Earth did. Did life form on Mars? No one knows yet, but if Earth is any
example, it’s certainly possible, if water existed for a long enough time.
In the young solar system, numerous asteroids constantly slammed into the various planets.
That’s what kept Earth and the other planets molten for so long after formation. Remnants of
that early bombardment still exist today—asteroids that occasionally slam into our planet.
Oklahoma has only one known surface asteroid impact site, near Ponca City, although there
are several other confirmed or suspected ones that are now buried.
Earth’s gravity is strong enough that asteroid impacts don’t knock debris into space. But Mars
is a lot smaller, possessing only one-third the gravity of Earth. Asteroid impacts can and do
knock pieces of Mars into space. And some of those have landed on Earth.
In 1996, a team of NASA scientists made a remarkable claim. A meteorite from Mars found in
Antarctica contained the fossilized remains of Martian bacteria, or so the scientists claimed.
The rock itself formed by geological processes that generally occur in a wet and warm cli-
mate, a perfect place to support life. Some sixteen million years ago, an asteroid slammed
into Mars, knocking some of the Red Planet’s rocks into space. One of those Martian rocks,
containing the alleged fossils, landed in Antarctica. After years of analysis of the evidence,
relatively few scientists now believe that the objects found are indeed fossilized bacteria,
but the debate isn’t over yet.
An important question remains: did life form on Mars before it did on Earth? Many biologists
believe that is indeed feasible. And since Mars reached life-supporting conditions before Earth
did, it is possible that an asteroid struck Mars 3.8 billion years ago and blasted a piece of rock
containing live bacteria into space. That Martian rock eventually crashed to Earth. There is
a real possibility that all life on Earth was seeded by life forms that first appeared on Mars.
One might wonder if it’s possible that any living entity could survive years in space with no
atmosphere, water or protection from cosmic rays and UV radiation. Experiments from our
Apollo Moon program indicate that the answer may be yes.
Prior to the first manned landings on the Moon, NASA sent several Surveyor spacecraft that
soft-landed on the lunar surface. These were NASA’s way of testing lunar landing procedure,
making sure we could safely land people there. Apollo 15 landed very near one of the Surveyor
spacecraft and NASA directed the astronauts to retrieve the camera on board for return to
Earth. When scientists studied the camera, they found to everyone’s surprise, it contained
dormant but living bacteria from Earth. The bacteria had survived for three years in condi-
tion almost identical to what a Martian meteorite would face in traveling from Mars to Earth.
Experiments have proven that bacteria buried inside a sufficiently large rock in space can
survive by forming an endospore, a live but dormant state. Recent studies of that same
Martian meteorite from Antarctica, known as ALH 84001, prove that conditions in the rock’s
interior would have gotten no hotter than 105 degrees, not hot enough to kill any hitchhiking
bacteria. On Earth, biologists have found bacteria living inside rock two miles below Earth’s
surface. Would a wet Mars be any different?
Recently, scientists have found that a type of microbe called tardigrades, or water bears,
can survive high doses of UV radiation and a strong vacuum, as in space. Tardigrades are
commonly found in lichens or mosses, in soil, on mountaintops and in the sediment in the
ocean. Their mossy homes can occasionally completely dry out yet some species can survive
as long as a decade without moisture. Scientists put two different moss-dwelling species
of tardigrades and their eggs on a European Space Agency’s mission to the International
Space Station. While orbiting Earth, the tardigrades were exposed to the vacuum of space
for 10 days. Some were shielded from the sun’s light; others were bathed in strong solar
ultraviolet radiation. Both species of tardigrades survived exposure to space vacuum very
well, although the samples exposed to both vacuum and solar radiation had significantly
reduced survival rates.
The answer to the question of life on Mars, extant or extinct, probably won’t be answered
for at least another twenty or thirty years, when we land the first humans there. But there
is no scientific reason to doubt the possibility that life did form on an ancient Mars. If so,
there’s a very real possibility that Martian microbes hitching a ride on a meteorite from the
Red Planet seeded life on Earth.
Spacecraft sent to study Mars have found water—lots of it—enough to fill all of the Great
Lakes several times over. The water currently exists in the form of ice, but the deeper lay-
ers may be liquid. We also know that in at least on some areas of Mars, sedimentary rocks
formed in oceans, like much of the sandstone and limestone rocks in Oklahoma. There is
an as yet unanswered question of whether those oceans lasted for a few thousand years or
a few million years. Some evidence from recent studies of Mars indicates that liquid water
existed at least for tens if not hundreds of thousands of years. If longer times frames are
involved, life may have evolved there. On Earth, where water exists, so does life. Was Mars
once inhabited, even if only by microbes, perhaps still inhabited? New missions to Mars will
likely answer that question within a few decades.
Not all the data from satellites orbiting Mars is supportive of potential Martian life. The Martian
geological crust is far more rigid than scientists had believed; the rocks making the crust of
Mars can’t flex much; the crust is frozen solid. That implies that any subsurface liquid water
must be deeper below the surface and scarcer than previously assumed.
Mars isn’t the only extraterrestrial location in our solar system that may harbor life. Jupiter’s
Moon Europa is, like Mars, a frozen world. Its surface is covered with a sheet of ice. But unlike
Mars, Europa enjoys an extra source of heat beyond that coming from the sun. Jupiter, the
largest planet with the strongest planetary gravitational field, possesses three other large
moons: Io, Ganymede, and Callisto. Europa orbits Jupiter between Io and Ganymede, the
largest moon of our solar system. Europa is squeezed and pulled between the gravity of
Jupiter, Io, and Ganymede. This flexing heats the moon’s core to temperatures high enough
that the ice melts into a liquid ocean below the frozen surface.
At the bottom of Earth’s oceans, where volcanic activity continually creates new ocean floor,
energy from geothermal volcanic vents heats localized areas well above the near freezing
temperatures of the typical sea bottom. At these locations, bizarre life forms flourish, life
forms found nowhere else on our planet. Many biologists believe that all life on Earth may
have come from single-celled microbes that first evolved at these mid-ocean rifts. Similar
geological processes likely exist on Europa, and it’s entirely within the realm of biological
possibility that some form of life exists on the ocean floors of Europa.
Recently, the Cassini spacecraft orbiting Saturn discovered water geysers coming from the
tiny moon Enceladus. It is so small that most astronomers assumed that it, like our much
larger Moon, was geologically dead and frozen. But some force, perhaps tidal squeezing from
Saturn and its rings, heats the interior, as with Europa. Continued studies have revealed that
the plumes contain salt water and organic compounds like those found on comets and on
the young Earth. Remember, on Earth, where there’s liquid water, there’s life. The possibility
exists on Enceladus.
Potential homes for extraterrestrial life exist outside of our solar system as well. As of this
writing, astronomers have discovered 509 planets orbiting other stars with numerous multi-
planet systems. New discoveries are announced regularly. Most of these extra-solar planets
are the size of Jupiter or larger, and are not considered likely abodes of life. Smaller, Earth-like
planets probably also exist out there, but our technology is not yet sufficiently advanced to
detect them. The most Earth-like planet yet discovered is little more than twice the size of
Earth and it is in the proper distance range from its parent star where water could exist in
liquid form. And as is possibly the case with Europa, moons of large planets may harbor life.
All life needs is temperatures capable of sustaining liquid water and a chemical environ-
ment complex enough to contain the necessary chemicals of life. Water is composed of
two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. Hydrogen is the most abundant element
in the universe while oxygen is the third most common, and their combination, water, is
the most common compound in the universe other than molecular hydrogen. The second
most widespread element, helium, is a noble gas and is not involved in chemical reactions.
In order after oxygen are carbon, neon (another noble gas), iron, and nitrogen. If these ele-
ments sound familiar they are the basic building blocks of life on Earth, with the exception,
of course, of the noble gases.
In at least one case, astronomers detected water vapor in the atmosphere of a large extra-solar
planet. If the planet has water, any moons it has will also possess water. And our technology
is improving all the time; soon we will be able to detect Earth-sized planets. Within a few
years, we may find that we humans are merely one member of a vast cosmic civilization.
The Brightest Star

What is the brightest star we can see from Earth? Actually, astronomers have two different
definitions of star brightness, or magnitude to use the technical term. So before you respond
to that question stellar magnitude needs to be defined.
“Absolute magnitude” refers to the actual energy output of the star, its luminosity. Generally
speaking, hotter stars emit more energy than cooler stars and bigger stars emit more energy
than smaller stars. That is not quite as straight forward as it seems: a large but cool star may
or may not put out more light than a smaller but hotter star. The devil is in the details.
“Apparent magnitude” refers to the brightness of a star as seen in our sky, but that is actually
affected by two parameters: the star’s luminosity and its distance from us. Just as a distant
street light appears fainter than a nearby one, a closer star will appear brighter in our sky
than an identical one farther away. Absolute magnitude is actually defined as the apparent
magnitude at a fixed distance of ten parsecs, so distance is taken out of the absolute mag-
nitude scale. A moderate star that is quite close may have a bright apparent magnitude but
a dim absolute magnitude.
And to make matters even more confusing, the magnitude scale is backward. The modern
stellar magnitude scale has its origins with the Greek astronomer Hipparchus in 129 B.C.
when he produced one of the first known star charts. As a means of classifying stars, he
divided them into brightness categories. The brightest stars, a few dozen in all, he described
as “stars of the first magnitude.” Somewhat less bright stars he declared were of the second
magnitude, and so on. He divided all stars into one of six magnitude groups. So the bright-
est stars were Magnitude 1 and the faintest stars visible to the human eye were Magnitude
6. Thus, the bigger the number, the fainter the star.
In 1856 astronomers, after having developed instruments far more sensitive than their eyes,
decided they needed to quantify this brightness scale more precisely. With their instruments,
they determined that “stars of the first magnitude” were, on average, a hundred times brighter
than star of the sixth magnitude. A five-magnitude jump (6th magnitude to 1st magnitude)
meant a change in brightness by a factor of one hundred. So they defined the magnitude
scale in such a way that a change of one magnitude, from 1 to 2 or from 4 to 5 meant a change
in brightness by a factor of 2.5 (technically, the 5th root of 100 or roughly 2.512). A difference
of magnitude by one number between two stars means an increase by 2.512 times in bright-
ness, with the smaller magnitude rating corresponding to the brighter star.
So what star seen in the skies over our planet has the lowest apparent magnitude number,
the brightest as seen from Earth? Our sun, of course! But that is a trick question. What is the
brightest nighttime star? It is likely that your answer when you first read the question at the
beginning of this section is the same as it is now after the discussion of the astronomical
magnitude scale. It is also likely that your answer is wrong. It is a common misconception
that what we usually call the North Star is the brightest star in the sky. Actually, it is not par-
ticularly close. The North Star, whose proper name is Polaris, may be the best known star, so
people often mistakenly believe it to be the brightest star. It is not. Polaris has an apparent
magnitude of 2.02; it is not even a star “of the first magnitude.” It is actually the forty-eighth
brightest nighttime stars visible from Earth, the thirty-third brightest as seen from Oklahoma.
The brightest star seen from Earth, the star with the lowest apparent magnitude, is Sirius at –
1.44. It is one of a handful of stars so bright that the magnitude scale had to be extended into
negative numbers. The scale factor is unchanged: a decrease in one magnitude, say, from 0
to – 1, still means a brightness increase of 2.512. Sirius may be unfamiliar to you because it
shines in the evening sky during our winter and spring months, when it is typically cold or
cloudy, so it is not so well known to the casual sky observers of the northern hemisphere. If
you lived in Australia, Sirius would be up during your summer and fall and therefore more
familiar to the casual observer.
What star in the sky has the highest luminosity, that is to say, has the lowest absolute magni-
tude rating? It is difficult to say. An individual can directly measure the apparent magnitude
of any star visible to him. But converting that to an absolute magnitude is not always easy.
A person’s ability to measure star distances may be no more accurate than 10 to 20 percent,
even less so for very distant stars. Between stars, what astronomers call interstellar space, is
not completely empty; there are tiny but varying amounts if dust and gas which can absorb
and scatter starlight, making it tricky to measure exactly the amount the light coming from
the star. And even with our best telescopes, we can only see a tiny fraction of the stars within
our Milky Way galaxy, much less with stars in other galaxies.
A good candidate for the most luminous known star is Eta Carina. Eta Carina is not visible
from Oklahoma; it is too far south to ever rise in the state’s sky. This star is 100 to 150 times
more massive than our sun. It ejected a shell of gas in 1843, one of several known explo-
sions. That gas shell hides the direct view of the star but astronomers estimate its absolute
magnitude at – 12. By comparison, the absolute magnitude of Sirius is only +1.5. Earth’s sun’s
absolute magnitude is +4.8, quite mediocre as stars go.
The Pistol Star, near the center of our Milky Way galaxy is another candidate for the brightest
known star. Due to its distance and the dusty nature of its environs, the Pistol Star is harder
to study, but it appears to be very close to Eta Carina in luminosity.
There may be brighter stars elsewhere in the Milky Way or in some distant galaxy, but there
cannot be many that are very much brighter. At some point the fierce radiation of a highly
luminous star would tear the star apart. Both Eta Carina and the Pistol Star are very close to
this so-called Eddington Limit, the luminosity at which a star would be torn apart.
The Ultimate Fate of Oklahoma (and Earth)

At various times in its distant past, Oklahoma has been frozen, ocean front property, ocean
bottom property, dinosaur playground and the land where the buffalo roam. At some time
in its distant future, Oklahoma will become molten magma before turning into a frozen
wasteland. These last two conditions will be shared with the entire planet Earth.
Earth, our sun, and all the other planets, dwarf planets, comets, asteroids, moons, and inter-
planetary dust formed four billion, six hundred million years ago from a cloud of interstellar
gas—mostly hydrogen and helium with a smattering of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and other
gasses—and dust—composed primarily of silicon, carbon, iron, and small amounts of other
atoms. The moon came along shortly after that when a rogue planet the size of Mars collided
with the young and still molten Earth. The debris from that collision cooled and eventually
become our Moon.
The oldest evidence of life on Earth comes from a time 3.8 billion years ago. The Earth had
barely cooled to the point that the surface was not constantly molten or covered by massive
volcanoes, at least in a geological sense of time. Water became ubiquitous on the surface
of our planet, a necessary ingredient for life. But periodically since then, Earth has experi-
enced Ice Ages, where much of the planet’s land masses were covered with glaciers. During
a massive glaciation period lasting from roughly 750 million years ago to 580 millions ago,
most of our planet, even a significant fraction of the surface of our oceans, froze in what
geologists call Snowball Earth. Pockets of unfrozen ocean apparently remained, allowing
a safe haven for life.
Around 544 million years ago, the ancient supercontinent Laurentia, which included what we
today call North America and South America, began to separate. South America and North
America were joined where what is now the Gulf of Mexico. The land that now makes up
Oklahoma and Texas began to pull apart, creating what geologists call a rift valley. From 500
to 430 million years ago, as South America continued to move toward its current location,
the rifting between Texas and Oklahoma ceased and this part of our country was covered in
a vast shallow sea that waxed and waned. The vast amount of plant material that covered the
floor of this shallow sea eventually became Oklahoma’s oil, coal, and natural gas deposits.
The sea became a haven for terrestrial life; the rift began slowly closing up. Starting around
280 million years ago, the land of southern Oklahoma lifted up, creating the Arbuckle and
Wichita Mountains. Throughout this period, large reptiles and eventually dinosaurs roamed
the land that would become Oklahoma.
Eventually the geology of North America settled down to what we have today. The central
part of the country, including Oklahoma, became covered with short-and tall-grass prairies,
home to incredible herds of buffalo, technically American Bison. The first Native Americans
left important archeological evidence of the lifestyles of stone-age people in Oklahoma.
Our sun provides the life-giving warmth and light that makes all life possible by way of nuclear
reactions deep in its core. Every tiny fraction of a second, four hydrogen atoms are converted
into one helium atom in a round-about series of reactions that also releases energy as defined
by Albert Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2. Our sun currently releases the equivalent of a
million hydrogen bomb explosions every second from it 28–million-degree core.

Jump to the future, some two billion years from now. Our sun, which has been slowly
growing larger and more luminous, has now increased so much in size and brightness, it
has made the surface of Earth unlivable. The oceans have evaporated away and our once
verdant planet can not support life of any kind. As the sun grows larger still, flares on its
surface increase in strength and the flow of material away from the sun, the solar wind, has
increased to gale strength. This would cause planet-wide aurora, except that the magnetic
field of Earth died as the interior cooled below the melting point of iron, like what occurred
on the much smaller Moon five billion years earlier. The increase in radiation we receive
from the growing sun will eventually melt the surface rock of our planet.
As the sun continues to grow, it loses whole layers of itself out into space. This mass loss may
ultimately save earth from total destruction by our parent star. As the sun’s mass decreases,
so does its gravitation pull on Earth and the other planets. Earth slowly pulls away, ultimately
to where Mars is now. The expanding sun eventually engulfs Mercury and Venus, the two
innermost planets. Whether or not Earths survives or is also swallowed and vaporized by
in the sun’s deep nuclear furnace, like Mercury and Venus, depends upon how fast the sun
grows and how fast it loses mass. Astronomer’s best current guess is that the sun wins out
and Earth vanishes into the 100–million-degree core of the sun.
Mars, or perhaps the Moons of Jupiter, have become able to support life, so perhaps humanity
moves there. But that would be only a short respite. Eventually the sun runs completely out
of fuel, after shedding about half its mass creating a beautiful, ephemeral planetary nebula,
visible across the neighboring regions of our Milky Way galaxy. Once the energy source is
gone, the solar system freezes and the lights go out.
But a perhaps even more depressing fate awaits Earth in the far distant future, well beyond
when the sun peters out. The latest cosmological observations indicate that not only is our
universe expanding from the force of the Big Bang 14.7 billion years ago, the rate at which
it is expanding is increasing. Some unknown force is pushing everything apart, a kind of
universal antigravity. As the galaxies separate, this force, astronomers have dubbed it “Dark
Energy” just to give it a name, becomes stronger.
We don’t know the source of Dark Energy, but some scientists believe that it is a property of
space itself. If that is so, it will grow exponentially stronger as space grows bigger. Eventu-
ally not only will galaxies be pushed apart, the stars within galaxies, four hundred billion
or so in our Milky Way galaxy alone, will began to separate. Our galaxy will dissipate as the
stars move away and our sky will go dark. Actually it will already be dark as the sun will have
gone out a trillion years earlier. Soon the stars, planets, and any remaining life forms will be
broken apart into individual atoms.
And the mysterious Dark Energy won’t yet be finished. As space expands and the strength
of the Dark Energy increases, it will eventually surpass the atomic and nuclear forces hold-
ing atoms together. The very structure of our universe will be ripped asunder and all that
will eventually remain are those non-divisible entities in our universe: photons (particles
of light), electrons, quarks, and gluons (the constituents that make up the atomic nucleus).
And perhaps with such incredible forces acting on them, maybe even these “fundamental”
particles will be torn apart and existence itself will cease altogether in our universe.
For now, just enjoy the wonderful scenery and great weather of our home state.
Astronomy Clubs, Planetariums, Observatories, and

Astronomical Products
For those interested in further information on astronomical phenomena, the best
sources are local astronomy clubs and planetariums. Astronomy clubs allow you to
meet people who share a common interest. Clubs also provide opportunities to view
astronomical objects through a telescope. Should buying a telescope be in your plans,
clubs provide opportunities to “test drive” different telescopes before you buy one.
It’s hard to beat the ability of a planetarium for teaching about the night sky. These
domed theaters simulate the night sky beautifully, providing better views of the heavens
than our light-polluted cities. Most offer a regular schedule of public performances, as
well as school field trips with programs geared around public school curriculum. Some
planetariums also include educational exhibits.
Oklahoma has few observatories, and most of those are privately owned. While member-
ship in an astronomy club often provides access to a telescope, public-use observatories
usually have larger instruments in a permanent, stable installation. They often have
equipment for viewing celestial objects in a way astronomy clubs can’t offer. Since uni-
versities or planetariums operate most public observatories, professional astronomers
who offer greater insight or detailed explanations to questions often run the programs.
Those listed below offer public viewing, but call ahead. The schedule may be limited
or offered by reservation only.
Telescopes dealers not only maintain a selection of astronomical telescopes and bin-
oculars, they often provide free handouts on various aspects of astronomy. If a telescope
is in your future, it’s worth sending for catalogues.
Astronomy Clubs Planetariums

Astronomy Club of Tulsa Kirkpatrick Planetarium
PO Box 470611, Tulsa, OK 74147 2100 NE 52 St, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
918/688–MARS 405/602–3761
Leonardo’s Star Quest Astronomy Club Oklahoma Baptist University
200 E Maple Street, Enid, OK 73701 Shawnee, OK 74801 • º405/878–2028
580/233–2787 • www.leonardos.org Tulsa Air and Space Museum
Norman North High School 3624 N 74 E Ave, Tulsa, OK 74115
Astronomy Club 918/834–9900
1809 Stubbeman Drive, Norman,
OK 73169 • 405/366–5954 Observatories
Odyssey Astronomy Club University of Oklahoma
Route 2 Box 154, Wanette, OK 74878 Physics and Astronomy Dept.
405/899–4016 400 W Brooks, Norman, OK 73019
405–325–3961
Telescope Dealers RMMC Observatory
Astronomics PO Box 470611, Tulsa, OK 74147
680 SW 24 Ave, Norman, OK 73169 918–636–6682
405–364–0858 Cheddar Ranch Observatory
Steve’s Pro Shop PO Box 22804, Oklahoma City, OK 74123
709–B S Air Depot Blvd, Midwest City,
OK 73110 • 405–732–1350
General
Index
998
General Index 999
Symbols Cooperative Extension Service 371

Food, Nutrition, and Consumer
Services 371
Risk Management Division 371
Air Force, Department of the 370
2-1-1 Oklahoma Coordinating Air Quality Advisory Council 257
Council 223 Air Service 3
10th Circuit Court of Appeals 207 Alarm and Locksmith Industry
Committee 226
Alcohol and Drug Counselors,
A Oklahoma Board of Licensed 226

Alcohol and Drug Influence, Board of
Tests for 226
Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement
Commission 226
ABLE Commission 226
Aldridge, Cliff A. 102, 104
Abstractors Board, Oklahoma 223
Alfalfa, county of 384–385
Accountability, Office of
Allen, Mark 102, 104
(education) 250
Alternative Fuels Technician Hearing
Accountancy Board, Oklahoma 223
Board 235
Accrediting Agency, State 224
Amber Alert/Plan Committee,
Adelson, Tom 102, 103
Oklahoma 227
Adjutant General
see Military Department 292
American Recovery and Reinvestment
Adoption and Medical Assistance, Act 227
Interstate Compact on 224 Anatomical Board of the State of
Adoption Review Task Force 224 Oklahoma 227
Adult Offender Supervision, Interstate Anderson, Patrick 102, 105
Compact for 224 Animal Diseases, Governor’s Task Force
Aeronautics Commission, on Foreign 227
Oklahoma 224 Anthony, Bob 69, 77
Affirmative Action Review Council Appeals, 10th Circuit Court of 207
see Personnel Management, Office of 300 Apportionment Commission 285
African American Centennial Plaza Aragon, Major Genrl (retired) Rita 79, 93
Design Committee 225 Arbuckle Country 55
Agencies, Boards, and Commissions Archeological Survey, Oklahoma 227
(ABCs) 221–352 Architects and Landscape Architects,
Agricultural and Livestock Board of Governors of Licensed 228
Production 939–941 Archives and Records Commission 228
Agricultural Regions (map) 935 Area of state 2
Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; Arkansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River
Department of 225 Compact Commission 228
Forestry Cost-share Advisory Committee 226 Armes, Don 132, 135
State Bureau of Standards 225 Army, Department of the 370
Agriculture Mediation Board 226 Arts Council, Oklahoma 228
Agriculture Overview 934–936 Asian American Affairs, Governor’s
Agriculture, Secretary of 79, 81 Advisory on 229
Agriculture, U.S. Department of
Astronomical Phenomena for Barnes, Judge Deborah 205

Oklahoma 976–994 Barresi, Janet 69, 76
Conjunction 982 Barrington, Don 102, 105
Determining the Sun’s Position and the Bartlesville 555
Number of Hours of Sunlight Per Bartlett, Dewey Follett 760
Day 983
Bass, Randy 102, 106
Does Life Exist Elsewhere in the
Universe? 989
Beaver, county of 388–389
Eclipses 976 Beckham, county of 390–391
How To Find Directions 986 Behavioral Practitioners Advisory
How to Measure Distances and Time Using Board, Oklahoma Licensed 230
the Stars 986 Bell, Judge Robert Dick 203
Light Pollution 984 Bellmon, Henry Louis 760, 761
Meteor Showers 978 Bennett, John 132, 136
Moon Phases 977 Billy, Lisa J. 132, 136
Paper Strip Solar System Model 982
Bingman, Brian 102, 103
Planet Visibility 979
Seasons 977
Biofuels Development Advisory
The Brightest Star 991 Committee 230
The Ultimate Fate of Oklahoma (and Biological Survey, Oklahoma 230
Earth) 993 Blackwell, Gus 132, 137
Why Pluto Is Not A Planet: An Analogy 981 Blaine, county of 392–393
Astronomy Clubs, Planetariums, Blind, Oklahoma School for the 307
Observatories, and Astronomical Blind & Physically Handicapped, Library
Products 995 for the 307
Athletic Commission, Oklahoma Blind, Services for the
State 229 see Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma
Atoka, county of 386–387 Department of 307
Attorney General 229 Boll Weevil Eradication Organization,
Attorney General, Office of the 71 Oklahoma 231
Attorneys, U.S. 368–369 Bond Advisor, Oklahoma State 231
Auditor and Inspector, Office of Bond Commissioner 231
State 72 Bond Oversight, Council of 231
Boren, Dan 357
Boren, David Lyle 761
B
Boxing Commission, Oklahoma
Professional 231
Branan, Cliff 102, 106
Breast Cancer Prevention and
Treatment Advisory Committee 232
Ballenger, Roger 102, 105 Brecheen, Josh 102, 107
Banking Department, Oklahoma Brinkley, Rick 102, 107
State 229 Broken Arrow 548
Bankruptcy Clerks, U.S. 366 Brown, Bill 102, 108
Bankruptcy Judges, United States 366 Brown, Mike 132, 137
Banz, Gary W. 132, 136 Brunbaugh, David 132, 138
Bar Association, Oklahoma 230 Bryan, county of 394–395
Barber Advisory Board, State 230 Budget 5
Barnes, Cassius McDonald 755 see also Finance, Office of State 259
General Index 1001
Buettner, Judge Kenneth L. 202 Cemeteries, National

Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Corridor Ft. Gibson 374
Advisory Committee 232 Ft. Sill 374
Building Bonds Commission, Centennial Botanical Garden Authority,
Oklahoma 232 Oklahoma 234
Burrage, Sean 102, 108 Center for the Book, Oklahoma 286
Business License Information Central Services, Department of 234
Office 232 Alternative Fuels Technician Hearing
Board 235
Bus Service 3
Committee of Alternative Fuels Technician
Examiners 235
Interagency Mail 235
C State Use Committee 235

Cerebral Palsy Commission 235
Chambers of Commerce,
Oklahoma 557
Charity Games
Caddo, county of 396–397 see Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement
Campaign Compliance 257 Commission 226
Canadian, county of 398–399 Cherokee, county of 402–403
Canadian River Commission 232 Chief Medical Examiner 235
Cannaday, Ed 132, 138 Child Abuse Examination, Board of 236
Canteen Services, Board of Directors Child Death Review Board 236
for 244 Children and Oral Health, Governor’s
Capital Investment Board, Task Force on 236
Oklahoma 232 Children and Youth, Commission on 236
Capitol Improvement Authority, Child Abuse Examination, Board of 236
Oklahoma 233 Child Death Review Board 236
Capitol-Medical Center Improvement Early Childhood Intervention, Interagency
and Zoning Commission 233 Coordinating, Council for 236
Capitol Preservation Commission, Joint Oklahoma Information Network
State 233 (JOIN) 236
Juvenile System Oversight, Office of 236
Carbon Dioxide Task Force, Oklahoma
Office of Planning and Coordination for
Geological Storage of 234 Services to Children and Youth 236
Carbon Sequestration Advisory Post Adjudication Review Advisory
Committee 234 Board 236
Career and Technology Education, Children, Interstate Commission for the
Oklahoma Department of 234, Placement of 236
740–742 Children, Interstate Compact on the
Carter, county of 400–401 Placement of 236
Cartwright Memorial Library (Law), Jan Children’s Services Oversight
Eric 286 Committee 237
Casey, Dennis 132, 139 Chiropractic Examiners, Board of 237
Cash Management and Investment Choctaw, county of 404–405
Oversight Commission 234 Choctaw District, U.S. Forest Service 371
Catastrophic Health Emergency Christian, Mike 132, 139
Planning Task Force, Oklahoma 234 Cimarron, county of 406–407
Cauthron, Robin J. 359 cities and towns
Communities Not Incorporated 577–581 Coast Guard Institute 373

Incorporated Cities and Towns 562–577 Coates, Harry E. 102, 109
Major Cities 2 Coburn, Tom 355
Major Cities of Oklahoma 544–563 Cockroft, Josh 132, 140
Oklahoma Chambers of Commerce 557–
Coffee, Glenn 79, 80
558
Colbert, Justice Tom 190
Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission
Cole, Tom 358
Advisory Council, Oklahoma
College Savings Plan, Board of
American 237
Trustees 238
Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission,
Comanche, county of 412–413
Oklahoma American 237
Combs, Justice Douglas L. 191
Classification Task Force, State 237
Commerce and Agriculture 919–942
CLASS Task Force, Governor’s 237
Commerce and Tourism, Secretary
CLEET
see Law Enforcement Education and of 79, 81
Training, Council on 284 Commerce in Oklahoma 920–922
Cleveland, county of 408–409 Gross State Product by Industrial Sector
(table) 923
Client Assistance Program 247
in brief 6
Climate 10, 950–957 Major Employers in Oklahoma
Drought 955 (table) 925–929
Annual Rainfall History (chart) 956 Selected Oklahoma Indicators (table) 922
Extreme Temperatures 956 Wage and Salary Employment by Industrial
Flooding 954 Sector (table) 924
Annual Flood-Related Fatalities Commerce,
(chart) 955 Oklahoma Department of 238
Oklahoma’s Weather Network 957 Small Business Regulatory Review
Other Climatic Features 951 Committee 239
Precipitation 950 Community Hospitals Authority 239
Normal Annual Precipitation (map) 950 Community Institute For Community
Normal Annual Snowfall (map) 951 Development, Oklahoma 239
Severe Thunderstorms 953
Compassionate Care Task Force 239
Temperatures 952
Compsource Oklahoma 239
Normal Annual Temperatures
Condit, Donnie 132
(map) 952
Tornadoes 952 Congressional Districts (map) 356
Annual Number of Tornadoes in Congressional Leadership Offices,
Oklahoma (chart) 954 State 98
Average Number of Tornadoes by Month Congressmen, History of
(chart) 953 Oklahoma 833–834
Wildfires 955 Congress, United States 357
Winter Storms 956 Conservation Commission,
Climatological Survey, Oklahoma 237 Oklahoma 239
Climate Services 238 Geographic Information Council,
K-12 Educational Outreach 238 State 241
OK-FIRST Project 238 Constitution and Government of
The Oklahoma Mesonet 238 Oklahoma 3
Cline, Terry 79, 86 Construction Industries Board 241
Cloud, Jeff 69, 77 Consumer Advocacy, Office of 291
Coal, county of 410–411 Consumer Credit, Commission on 242
General Index 1003
Consumer Services of the Corporation Civil Appeals overview 200

Commission 242 Council on Judicial Complaints 219
Contingency Review Board 242 Court on the Judiciary 216
Continuity Policy Coordination Court System, Oklahoma 187
Criminal Appeals History 849
Committee, Governor’s 242
Criminal Appeals, Judges of the 197
Coody, Ann 132, 140 Criminal Appeals Judicial Districts
Cooksey, Marian 132, 141 (map) 196
Cooperative Extension Service at Criminal Appeals overview 195
Oklahoma State University 242, 371 Dispute Resolution Advisory Board 219
Corn, Kenneth 109 General Jurisdiction 208
Corporation Commission, Judges of the Court of Tax Review 216
Oklahoma 77–78, 242 Judges of the District Courts 209–215
Commissioners Since Statehood 771 Judges of the Worker’s Compensation
Consumer Services 242 Court 217
Corrections Centers, Federal Supreme Court Judicial Districts (map) 188
El Reno Correctional Institute 371 Cox, Doug 132, 141
Federal Transfer Center 371 Craig, county of 416–417
Corrections Compact, Interstate 244 Crain, Brian A. 102, 109
Corrections, State Department of 244 Credit Union Board,
Correctional Industries, Oklahoma 244 Oklahoma State 245
Institutions (Correctional Centers) 328– Creek, county of 418–419
330 Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact
Internal Affairs 244 Council, National 246
Investigations Division 244 Crime Victims Compensation
Probation and Parole Offices 329
Board 246
Work Centers (Corrections) 329
Crop Weather Review 937–938
Cosmetology, State Board of 245
Cruce, Lee 756
Costello, Mark 69, 75
Custer, county of 420–421
Cotton, county of 414–415
counties
Trends in County Populations (chart) 946
County Clerk Addresses and Phone
Numbers 378–380
County Election Boards 684–686
County Energy District Authority 245
D
County Government in Dairy Compact Southern 246
Oklahoma 377 Dairy Promotion Commission,
County Government Personnel Education Oklahoma 246
and Training, Commission on 245 Dank, David 132, 142
County Seats (map) 381 David, Kim 102, 110
Court Appointed Special Davis, J.M. Memorial Commission 246
Advocate 315 Deaf, Oklahoma School for the 308
Courtroom Security Procedures, Task Deering, Major General Myles L. 79, 90
Force on the Standardization of 245 Deferred Compensation Plan, Public
courts Employees
Assembly of Presiding Judges 217
see Public Employees Retirement System,
Civil Appeals, Judges of the 202
Oklahoma 304
Civil Appeals Judicial Districts (map) 201
DeGiusti, Timothy D. 359
Delaware, county of 422–423 Annual Rainfall History (chart) 956

Demographics 948 Drug Abuse
Cultural Regions (map) 949 see Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Population 948 Services, Department of 291
Trends in County Populations (chart) 946 Drug Court, Juvenile 248
Vernacular and Cultural Regions 948 Drug Dog Advisory Council 248
Vernacular Regions (map) 949
Vital Statistics 948
E
Denney, Lee 132, 142
Dentistry, Oklahoma Board of 246
Derby, David 132, 143
Detainers, Interstate Agreement on 247
Developmental Disabilities Council,
Oklahoma 247 Eagan, Claire V. 359
Development Finance Authority, Early Childhood Intervention,
Oklahoma Interagency Coordinating, Council
see Finance Authority, Oklahoma for 236
Development 258 Eason McIntyre, Judy 102, 110
Dewey, county of 424–425 East Central Oklahoma Building
DeWitt, Dale 132, 143 Authority 248
Diabetes Center, Comprehensive 247 East Central Oklahoma Gas
Digitizing the County Records of Authority 249
Oklahoma, Task Force on 247 Eclipses 976
Disability Concerns, Office of 247 Economic Environment 5–9
Client Assistance Program 247 Agriculture in brief 6
Disability Services Rate Review Commerce in brief 6
Committee, Advantage Waver and Industry in brief 7
Developmental 248 Petroleum and Natural Gas in brief 7
Dispute Resolution Advisory Poverty in brief 8
Board 219 Property Valuation 5
District Attorneys 220 State Budget 5
Taxes in brief 8
District Attorneys Council 248
Transportation in brief 8
District Court Clerks, U.S. 367 Workforce in brief 9
District Court Magistrates, U.S. 367 EDGE
District Judges, U.S. 359–365 EDGE Fund Board of Investors 249
Senior Judges 364 EDGE Fund Policy Board 249
Doak, John 69, 74 Edmond 551
Doeflinger, Preston 85 Edmondson, James Howard 760
Doerflinger, Preston 79 Edmondson, Justice James 191
Donnie Condit 140 Education 703–742
Dorman, Joe 132, 144 Career and Technology Education 740–742
Drinking, Governor’s Task Force on Higher Education 732–733
Prevention of Underage 248 Public Instruction, Superintendent of 76
Driver’s License Compact 248 Public Schools 705–733
Driver’s License Medical Advisory State Board of 249
Committee 309 State Department of 249
Driving Information 3 Educational Personnel, Interstate
Drought 955 Agreement on Qualification of 250
General Index 1005
Educational Television Authority, Oklahoma Department of 251

Oklahoma 250 Employees Benefits Council,
Education Commission of the Oklahoma State 252
States 249 Wellness Council 252
Education Oversight Board 250 Employers in Oklahoma, Major
Office of Accountability 250 (table) 925–929
Education, Secretary of 79, 83 Employment Security Commission,
Elected Officials of Oklahoma Oklahoma 252
Attorney General, Office of the 71 Employment Service, Local
Auditor and Inspector, Office of State 72 Offices 253–254
contact list 69 Energy Compact of the Southern
Governor, Office of the 66 States 255
Insurance Commissioner 74
Energy Council, the 255
Labor, Commissioner of 75
Lieutenant Governor, Office of the 70 Energy Resources Board Advisory
Public Instruction, Superintendent of 76 Committee, Oklahoma 256
Treasurer, Office of the State 73 Energy Resources Board,
Election Board, State 251 Oklahoma 255
Election Information 583–702 Energy, Secretary of 79, 84
Changes in Voter Registration and Political Engineers and Land Surveyors,State
Affiliation 586 Board of Registration for
Contests of Candidacy and Election 585 Professional 256
County Election Boards 684–686 Enid 553
County Registration by Party 592–594 Enid State School (Northern Oklahoma
Election Dates 585–586
Resource Center of Enid) 330
Election Results 595–608
Election Tables (Vote for President and Enns, John 132, 144
Governor) by county 645 Environmental Protection Authority,
Oklahoma Vote in Presidential Oklahoma 256
Elections 589 Environmental Quality Board 257
Registration by Party in Oklahoma Air Quality Advisory Council 257
Since 1960 590–591 Hazardous Waste Management Advisory
Total Votes Cast for President and Governor Council 257
by party 587–588 Water Quality Management Advisory
Vote for Governor, last General Election, Council 257
County-by-County 644 Environmental Quality,
Voting Districts of Cities and Towns 687–701 Department of 256
Elective State Officers Since Environment, Natural 10–12
Statehood 766–770 Environment, Secretary of 79, 84, 256
Electronic and Information Equalization, State Board of 257
Technology Accessibility Advisory Ethics Commission 257
Committee 251 Examiners for Nursing Home
Elevation 2 Administrators
Elevator Inspection Bureau 284 see Long-Term Care Administrators, Oklahoma
Ellis, county of 426–427 State Board of Examiners for 288
Ellis, Jerry 102, 111 Executive Branch 65–94
El Reno Correctional Institute 371
Emergency Management
Advisory Council 252
Emergency Management Compact 252
F Fields, Eddie 102, 111

Finance and Accountability, Joint
Legislative Oversight Committee on
Local Government
see Accountability, Joint Legislative
Faith Based and Community Initiatives,
Oversight Committee on Local
Office of 258 Government Finance and 258
Fallin, Governor Mary 67–68, 69, 762 Finance and Revenue,
Farley, Rusty 132, 144 Secretary of 79, 85
Faught, George 132, 145 Finance Authority, Oklahoma
Federal Aviation Administration 373 Development 258
Federal Bureau of Investigation 372 Finance Authority, Oklahoma
Federal Government 353–374 Industrial 259
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Finance, Office of State 259
Administration 371
Oklahoma Congressional Districts Fire Ant Research and Management
(map) 356 Advisory Committee 259
United States Attorneys 368–369 Fire Extinguisher Industry
United States Bankruptcy Judges 366 Committee 259
United States Congress 357 Firefighters Pension and Retirement
United States District Court Clerks 367 System, Oklahoma 260
United States District Court Firefighter Training,
Magistrates 367 Oklahoma Council on 260
United States District Judges 359–363
Fire Marshal Commission, State 260
United States District Judges,
Senior Judges 364 Firemen’s Building Authority,
United States Senate 355 Oklahoma State 261
Federal Highway Administration 373 First Ladies of Oklahoma 764
Federal Information Center 370 Fischer, Judge John F. 206
Federal Installations and Agencies Fish and Game
Department of Agriculture 371 see Wildlife Conservation,
Department of Health and Human Department of 326
Services 372 Flags of Oklahoma, Historical 61–64
Department of Housing and Urban Flooding 954
Development 372 Annual Flood-Related Fatalities (chart) 955
Department of Interior 372 Food Security Committee,
Department of Justice 372 Oklahoma 261
Department of Labor 373 Food Service Advisory Council,
Department of Transportation 373 Oklahoma 261
Department of Treasury 373
Ford, John W. 102, 111
Federal Corrections Centers 371
General Services Administration 370 Forensic Center, Oklahoma 261
Military 370 Forensics Review Board 261
National Weather Service 371 Foresters,
U.S. Forest Service 371 State Board of Registration for 262
Veterans Affairs 373 Forest Fire Protection Compact, South
Federal Surplus Property Central Interstate 262
Distribution 316 Forestry Cost-share Advisory
Federal Transfer Center 371 Committee 226
Ferguson, Thompson Benton 756 Forests 10
General Index 1007
Forests and Vegetation 963–966 Minerals (including map) 961

Generalized Soils (including map) 965 Physiographic Regions
Natural Vegetation (including map) 964 (including map) 959
Forest Service, U.S. Glenn, Larry 132, 146
Choctaw District 371 Goodman, Judge Jerry L. 204
Kiamichi District 371 governors
National Grasslands 372 Fallin, Governor Mary 67–68
Ouachita National Forest 371 latest Vote for Governor,
Tiak District 371 County-by-County 644
Formulary Advisory Council Office of the Governor 66–68
see Nursing, Oklahoma Board of 297 Since Statehood 756
Fourkiller, William 132, 145 Territorial Governors 754–756
Frantz, Frank 756 Governor’s Cabinet 79
Fraud Unit, Anti- 262 Grady, county of 432–433
Fraud Unit, Insurance 262 Grand River Dam Authority 264
Friot, Stephen P. 360 Grand River Dam Authority, Joint
Frizzell, Gregory K. 361 Legislative Task Force on the 265
Frontier Country 51 Grant, county of 434–435
Funeral Board, Oklahoma 262 Grasslands 11
Fusion Center Governance Board, Grau, Randy 132, 146
Oklahoma Information on 263 Great Plains Country 52
Green Country 53
Greenwood Area Redevelopment
G
Authority 265
Greer, county of 436–437
Grimes, William C. 755
Gross State Product by Industrial Sector
(table) 923
Gabbard II, Judge Doug 206 Groundwater (map) 971
Gang Intervention Steering Committee, Guardian, Office of Public 265
Oklahoma Statewide 263 Gurich, Justice Noma D. 192
Garfield, county of 428–429
Garrison, Earl 102, 112
H
Garvin, county of 430–431
Gary, Raymond Dancel 759
General Facts 2–4
General Services Administration 370
Geographer, Office of State 263
Geographic Information Council, Hall, David 760
State 241, 263 Hall, Elise 132, 147
Geographic Names, Halligan, Jim 102, 112
Oklahoma Board on 263 Hall of Fame Members,
Geography 10 Oklahoma 909–912
Geological Survey, Oklahoma 264 Hall of Fame,
Geology 958–962 Oklahoma Women’s 913, 916
Generalized Topography 960 Hamilton, Rebecca 132, 147
Major Geological Provinces Handicaps, Mental 247
(including map) 958 Hansen, Judge Carol M. 203
Hardin, Tommy 132, 147 Healthy Schools Advisory Committee,

Harmon, county of 438–439 Oklahoma 271
Harper, county of 440–441 Heaton, Joe 361
Haskell, Charles Nathaniel 756 Henry, Governor Brad 762
Haskell, county of 442–443 Hetherington Jr., Judge William C. 204
Hazard Mitigation Team, State 265 Hickman, Jeff 132, 148
Hazardous Materials 256 Higher Education 732–733
Hazardous Waste Management Institutions 737–739
Advisory Council 257 Percent of State Populations Older Than
Health and Human Services, 25 Years Holding Bachelor’s Degrees
(table) 732
Secretary of 79, 86
State Regents 735
Health and Human Services, State System 734
U.S. Dept. of Higher Education, Regents for
Indian Health Service 372
see Regents for Higher Education,
Health Care Authority Oklahoma State 307
Health Care Authority Board,
Highway Administration, Federal 373
Oklahoma 270
Health Care Authority, Oklahoma 269
Highway Construction Materials
Health Care for the Uninsured Technician Certification Board 271
Board 270 Highway Patrol
see Safety, Department of Public 308
Health Care Indemnity Fund Task
Highways
Force 270 see Transportation, Department of 320
Health Care Workforce Resources Highway Safety
Board 270 see Transportation, Department of 320
Health Care Workforce Resources Task Hilliard, Wes 132, 148
Force, Governor’s 270 Historical Records Advisory Board 271
Health Disparities Task Force, Historical Society, Oklahoma 271
Governor’s Elimination of 270 Historic Preservation Review
Health Information and Privacy Committee, Oklahoma 271
Collaboration Advisory Board, History, Oklahoma 743–918
Oklahoma 265 A Brief History of Oklahoma 745–753
Health Information Exchange Truse, Historic Age 746
Oklahoma (OHIET) 265 Indian Territory maps 748
Health Information Security and Privacy Land Openings, 1889–1906 (map) 753
Council, Oklahoma 265 Prehistoric Age 745
Health Insurance High Risk Pool 270 Statehood 752
see also Insurance Department 279 Territorial Days 747
Health Insurance Mandates, Task Force Historical Markers in Oklahoma 904–908
on the Review of 270 Municipal Government History and
Health Reinsurance Program Board, Facts 539
Oklahoma Small Employer Holidays in Oklahoma, Official 4
see Insurance Department 279 Holland, Corey 132, 149
Health, State Department of 265 Holloway, William Judson 758
Healthy and Fit School Advisory Holt, David 102, 113
Committee 270 Home Inspector Examiners,
Healthy Communities Advisory Committee of 272
Committee, Oklahoma 271 Homeland Security
General Index 1009
Homeland Security,
Oklahoma Office of 272
Homeland Security Funding, Governor’s
Committee On 272
Homeland Security,
I
Illegal Immigration Issues, Task Force
Regional Planning and Coordination
on Oklahoma 275
Advisory Councils for 273
Immigration and Naturalization
Homeless, Governor’s Interagency
Service 373
Council on 273
Incentive Approval Committee 275
Horse Racing Commission,
Incentive Review Committee
Oklahoma 273
(Tax) 275
Hoskin, Chuck 132, 149
Independent Living Council,
Hospital Advisory Council 273
Statewide 276
Hospitals Authority, University 273
Indian Affairs Commission,
Hospitals, Veterans
Oklahoma 276
Administration 374
Indian Education, Oklahoma Advisory
House of Representatives, State
Committees 181–183 Council on 276
Contact Reference List 132–134 Indian Health Service 372
District Maps 130 Indian Tribal Offices 276–277
House of Representatives Since Indicators, Selected Oklahoma
Statehood 772–812 (table) 922
Leadership for the House 128 Indigent Defense System,
Representatives by District 129 Oklahoma 278
Representatives, profiles of 128 Industrial Finance Authority, Oklahoma
Speaker of the House 135 see Finance Authority, Oklahoma
Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Industrial 259
Oklahoma City Field Office 372 Industry
Tulsa Field Office 372 In Brief 7
Housing Finance Agency, Industry Advisory Committee 278
Oklahoma 274 Information Technology and
Hudecki, Phyllis 79, 83 Telecommunications, Secretary of 90
HUD (Housing and Urban Information Technology &
Development) 372 Telecommunications, Secretary of 79
Hughes, county of 444–445 Inhofe, Jim 355
Human Resources and Administration, Injury Review Board
Secretary of 79, 88 see Law Enforcement Retirement System,
Human Rights Commission, Oklahoma 285
Oklahoma 274 Inman, Scott 132, 150
Human Services, Department of 274 Institutions of Higher Education 737–
Human Services Centers 330 739
Hunting and Fishing Comprehensive and Regional
see Wildlife Conservation, Universities 737
Department of 326 Two-Year Colleges 738
Institutions, State Government 328–332
Insurance Board, Oklahoma State and
Education Employees Group (Health,
Dental, Life and Disability) 278
Insurance Commissioner 74 Jordan, Fred 132, 151

Insurance Department 279 Joyner, Charlie 132, 152
Insurance Fund, State judges
see Compsource Oklahoma 239 10th Circuit Court of Appeals 207
Insurance Portability and Assembly of Presiding Judges 217
Accountability, Governor’s Task Force Council on Judicial Complaints 219
on Health 280 Court of Civil Appeals (current) 202
Court of Criminal Appeals (current) 197–
Integrated Justice Information Systems
199
Steering Committee, Oklahoma 297 Court of Criminal Appeals (history) 849
Interagency Mail 235 Court of Tax Review 216
Interior, U.S. Department of Dispute Resolution Advisory Board 219
National Park Service 372 District Courts 209–215
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 372 Judicial Nominating Commission 218
Internal Revenue Service 373 Supreme Court (current) 190–194
Interstate Cooperation, Oklahoma Supreme Court (history) 845–848
Commission on 280 United States Bankruptcy Judges 366
Invasive Species Task Force 280 United States District Court Clerks 367
Investigation, United States District Court
Magistrates 367
Oklahoma State Bureau of 280
United States District Judges 359–363
Ivester, Tom 102, 113 United States District Judges, Senior
Judges 364
United States District Judges Since
J
Statehood 840
Worker’s Compensation Court 217
Judicial Branch 185–220
Judicial Compensation, Board of 281
Judicial Complaints, Council on 281
Jackson, county of 446–447 judicial district maps
Jackson Jr., Oscar B. 79, 88 Civil Appeals 201
Jackson, Mike 132, 150 Criminal Appeals 196
J. D. McCarty Center for Children with Supreme Court 188
Developmental Disabilities Judicial Nominating Commission 218,
see Cerebral Palsy Commission 235 281
Jefferson, county of 448–449 Justice, Ron 102, 115
Jenkins, William Miller 755 Justice, U.S. Department of
Johnson, Constance N. 102, 114 Federal Bureau of Investigation 372
Johnson, Dennis 132, 151 Immigration and Naturalization
Johnson, Judge Arlene 197 Service 373
Johnson, Judge Charles A. 197 U.S. Marshal, Eastern District 373
U.S. Marshal, Northern District 373
Johnson, Rob 102, 114
U.S. Marshal, Western District 373
Johnston, county of 450–451
Juvenile Affairs, Board of 282
Johnston, Henry Simpson 757
Juvenile Affairs, Office of 282
Joint Oklahoma Information Network
Juvenile Centers (Office of Juvenile
(JOIN) 236
Affairs) 330
Jolley, Clark 102, 115
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Jones, Gary 69, 72
Prevention, State Advisory Group
Joplin, Judge Larry E. 203
on 282
General Index 1011
Juvenile Justice, Department of 282 see Architects and Landscape Architects,
Juvenile Justice Reform Committee, Board of Governors of Licensed 228
Oklahoma 282 Land Surveyors
Juveniles, Interstate Compact for 282 see Engineers and Land Surveyors,
Juvenile System Oversight, Office of 236 State Board of Registration for
Professional 256
Langston University–Oklahoma City
K
and Langston University–Tulsa, Board
of Trustees for 284
Lankford, James 358
Laster, Charlie 102, 116
Latimer, county of 458–459
Kansas-Oklahoma Arkansas River Latitude of Oklahoma 2
Commission 283 Law Enforcement Education and
Kauger, Justice Yvonne 192 Training, Council on 284
Kay, county of 452–453 Law Enforcement Retirement System,
Keating, Francis Anthony 762 Oklahoma 285
Kern, Sally 132, 152 Lawton 550
Kern, Terry C. 361 LeFlore, county of 460–461
Kerr, Robert Samuel 759 Legislative Bond Oversight Commission
Key, Charles 132, 153 see also Bond Oversight, Council of 231
Kiamichi Country 54 Legislative Branch 95–184
Kiamichi District, U.S. Forest Legislative Compensation, Board on 285
Service 371 Legislative Service Bureau 98, 285
Kiamichi Economic Development legislature
House Committees 181–183
District of Oklahoma 283
House District Maps 130
Kingfisher, county of 454–455 Legislature overview 97–98
Kiowa, county of 456 Representatives by District, State 129
Kirby, Dan 132, 153 Representatives Contact Reference
Kouplen, Steve 132, 153 List 132–184
Representatives, profiles of 128
Representatives Since Statehood
L
(history) 772–812
Senate Committees 126–127
Senate District Maps 100–101
Senate Since Statehood (history) 813–832
Senators by District, State 99
Senators Contact Reference List 102
Laboratory Services Advisory
Senators, profiles of 99
Council 257 Speaker of the House of
Labor, Commissioner of 75 Representatives 135
Labor, State Department of 283 Leonard, Tim 364
Labor, U.S. Department of Lerblance, Richard C. 102, 116
Occupational Safety and Health Lewis, Judge David 197
Administration (OSHA) 373
Libraries In Oklahoma, Public 332–338
Lamb, Todd 69, 70
Libraries, Oklahoma Department of 286
Land Office, Commissioners of the 284 Jan Eric Cartwright Memorial Library
Landscape Architects (Law) 286
Oklahoma Center for the Book 286

Oklahoma Literacy Resource Office 287
State Records Center 287
Library for the Blind & Physically
Handicapped 307
M
Liebmann, Guy 132, 154 Main Street Center, Oklahoma 289
Lieutenant Governor, Office of the 70 Major, county of 468–469
Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Manufactured Home Advisory
Association, Oklahoma 287 Committee 289
Lincoln, county of 462–463 Marginal Quality Water Technical Work
Linked Deposit Review Board, Group 325
Oklahoma 287 Market Assistance Program Association,
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Board, Voluntary 289
Oklahoma 287 Marland, Ernest Whitworth 758
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marlatt, Bryce 102, 117
Research, Marketing and Safety Marshall, county of 470–471
Commission 288 Marshals, United States
Eastern District 373
Literacy Resource Office,
Northern District 373
Oklahoma 287 Since Statehood 843
Livestock Production, Western District 373
Agricultural and 939–941 Martin, Robert 754
Location and Size 945–947 Martin, Scott 132, 155
Location and Latitude of Oklahoma 2 Martin, Steve 132, 155
Location of Oklahoma (graphic) 944
Mayes, county of 472–473
State Dimensions (map) 947
Townships and Ranges (map) 946 Mazzei, Mike 102, 117
Lockhart, James 132, 154 McAffrey, Al 132, 156
Logan, county of 464–465 McCarty Center for Children with
Lone Chimney Water Association 288 Developmental Disabilities
see Cerebral Palsy Commission 235
Longitude and Latitude
map 944 McClain, county of 474–475
Longitude of Oklahoma 2 McCullough, Mark 132, 156
Long-Range Capital Planning McCurtain, county of 476–477
Commission 288 McDaniel, Jeannie 132, 157
Long-Term Care Administrators, McDaniel, Randy 133, 157
Oklahoma State Board of Examiners McIntosh, county of 478–479
for 288 McKeever, Dr. Stephen (W.S.) 79, 92
Long-Term Care Facility Advisory McNiel, Skye 133, 158
Board 289 McPeak, Jerry 133, 158
Lopez, Dave 79, 81 Medicaid Drug Utilization Review
Lottery Commission 289 Board 270
see Health Care Authority, Oklahoma 270
Love, county of 466–467
Medicaid, Governor’s Task Force on 289
Lucas, Frank 357
Medical Authority, Oklahoma State
Lumpkin, Judge Gary L. 198
University 289
Medical Cost Reduction
Committee 289
General Index 1013
Medical Examiner, Military Planning Commission,

Office of the Chief 291 Oklahoma Strategic 293
Medical Licensure and Supervision, Military, Secretary of the 79, 90
State Board of 289 Miller, Ken 69, 73
Medical Trust, Oklahoma State Minerals 961–962
University 290 in brief 11
Medicolegal Investigations, map 961
Board of 290 Nonfuel Mineral Production (table) 961
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Mines, Department of 293
Oklahoma Miner Training Institute 293
Services, Department of 291
Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Ming, C. Michael 79, 84
Advisory Council on 291 Mining Commission, Oklahoma 293
Consumer Advocacy, Office of 291 Mining Compact Commission,
Mental Health Centers and Interstate 293
Hospitals 330 Mining/Petroleum Overview 930–933
Mental Health, Nonfuel Mineral Production (table) 930
Interstate Compact on 291 Value of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Production 931
Mental Health Plan Transformation
Advisory Board, Governor’s 320 Minority and Disadvantaged Business
Mental Retardation Enterprises, Office for 238
see Developmental Disabilities Council, Minority Teacher Recruitment Advisory
Oklahoma 247 Committee 294
Merit Protection Commission 291 Mitchell, III, Judge E. Bay 202
Merit System Monroney Aeronautical Center 373
see Personnel Management, Office of 300 Moon Phases 977
Mesonet, The Oklahoma 238 Moore 552
Meteorites 987 Moore, Lewis H. 133, 159
Meteor Showers 978 Morgan, Danny 133, 159
Mid-America Industrial Park Morrissette, Richard 133, 160
see Ordnance Works Authority, Motorcycle Safety and Education,
Oklahoma 298 Advisory Committee for 294
Mid-South Industrial Authority 292 Motor Vehicle Commission,
Midwest City 551 Oklahoma 294
Midwestern Oklahoma Development Mountains and Streams 967–971
Authority 292 Mountains (map) 968
Miles-LaGrange, Vicki 362 Rivers and Lakes (map) 970
Military Children, Interstate Compact Mulready, Glen 133, 160
on Education Opportunity for 292 Municipal Finance, Task Force on 294
Military Children, Municipal Government 537–582
Oklahoma State Council for History and Facts 539
Educational Opportunity for 292 Oklahoma Chambers of Commerce 557–
561
Military Department 292
Military (in Oklahoma) Municipal Power Authority,
Air Force, Department of the 370 Oklahoma 294
Army, Department of the 370 Murphey, Jason 133, 160
National Guard 370 Murphy, Dana L. 69, 78
Navy, Department of the 370 Murray, county of 480–481
Murray, Johnston 759
Murray, William Henry 758 Newell, Tom 133, 161

Museums, Oklahoma 850 Newspapers, Daily and Weekly 339–
Music Hall of Fame Board, 344
Oklahoma 295 Nichols, Jonathan 102, 118
Muskogee 554 Nigh, George Patterson 760, 761
Muskogee City-County Port Noble, county of 484–485
Authority 303 Nollan, Jadine 133, 162
Muskogee, county of 482–483 Nonresident Violator Compact 296
Mutual Aid Compact, Oklahoma Norman 547
Intrastate 295 North Central Oklahoma Municipal
Myers, David F. 102, 118 Power Pool Authority 296
Northeast Oklahoma Public Facilities
Authority 296
N
Nowata, county of 486–487
Nursing Facility Funding Advisory
Committee, Oklahoma 296
Nursing Home Insurance Access, Task
Force on 297
Nanotechnology Initiative, Nursing, Oklahoma Board of 297
Oklahoma 295
Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control,
O
Oklahoma State Bureau of 295
National Grasslands, U.S. Forest Service
Black Kettle District, Roger Mills County 372
Rita Blanca District, Cimarron County 372
National Guard 370
National Guard Relief Program Review Observatories 995
Board, Oklahoma 295 OCAST (Oklahoma Center for the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Advancement of Science and
Administration Technology)
National Weather Service 371 see Science and Technology, Oklahoma
National Park Service 372 Center for the Advancement of
Chickasaw National Recreation Area 372 (OCAST) 310
Native American Cultural and Occupational Safety and Health
Educational Authority of Administration (OSHA) 373
Oklahoma 296 OETA
Natural Environment 10–12 see Educational Television Authority,
Natural Gas Service, Task Force on Oklahoma 250
Retail 296 Offender Supervision, Oklahoma State
Natural History, Sam Noble Oklahoma Council for Interstate Adult 297
Museum of 296 Office of Planning and Coordination for
Nature, Wildlife and 943–996 Services to Children and Youth 236
Navy, Department of the 370 OHIET 265
Nelson, Jason 133, 161 OIJIS (Oklahoma Integrated Justice
Newberry, Dan 102, 118 Information Systems) Steering
New Economy Workforce, Committee 297
Council for 314 Oil and Gas Wells, Commission on
Marginally Producing 298
General Index 1015
Oil Compact Commission, Paddack, Susan 102, 119

Interstate 297 Pardon and Parole Board 299
Oilseed Commission, Oklahoma 298 Party Affiliation of Governor, U.S.
OK-FIRST Project 238 Delegation, and State Legislature
Okfuskee, county of 488–489 Since Statehood 835–839
Oklahoma City 545 Pauls Valley State School (Southern
Oklahoma, county of 490–491 Oklahoma Resource Center of Pauls
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Board of Valley) 330
Directors 281 Pawnee, county of 498–499
Oklahoma Today Magazine 320 Payne, county of 500–501
Okmulgee, county of 492–493 Payne, James H. 362
O’Meilia, David E. 368 Peanut Commission, Oklahoma 299
Operation Homefront Task Force 298 Pedorthics, Advisory Committee on 300
Optometry, Board of Examiners In 298 Pension Commission,
Ordnance Works Authority, Oklahoma State 300
Oklahoma 298 Perfusionists,
Organ Donor Education and Awareness State Board of Examiners of 300
Program Advisory Council 298 Personnel Management, Office of 300
Organ Donor Education & Awareness Personnel Management,
Program Advisory Council U.S. Office of 370
see Health, State Department of 265 Pest Control Compact 301
Ortega, Charles 133, 162 Pest Control Insurance Fund Executive
Orthotics and Prosthetics, Advisory Committee 301
Committee on 298 Pet Breeders, Board of
Osage, county of 494–495 Commercial 301
OSBI (Oklahoma State Bureau of Peterson, Pam 133, 164
Investigation) Peters, Ron 133, 163
see Investigation, Petroleum and Natural Gas 930–933
Oklahoma State Bureau of 280 Economic Overview 7
Osborn, Leslie 133, 162 In Brief 7
Osteopathic Examiners, Value of Petroleum and Natural Gas
State Board of 299 Production 931
Osteoporosis, Advisory Panel on 299 Pettit, Alex 79, 90
Osteoporosis, Pharmacy, Board of 301
Interagency Council on 299 Pharmacy Connection Council,
Ottawa, county of 496–497 Oklahoma 302
Ouachita National Forest 371 Phillips, Leon Chase 758
Ownbey, Pat 133, 163 Physical Fitness and Sports, Governor’s
Council on 302
Physician Manpower Training
P
Commission 302
Pittman, Anastasia 133, 164
Pittsburg, county of 502–503
Planetariums 995
Planet Visibility 979–994
P-20 Data Coordinating Plumbers, Licensing of
Committee 299 see Construction Industries Board 241
Podiatric Medical Examiners, Oklahoma see Indigent Defense System,

State Board of 302 Oklahoma 278
Police Pension and Retirement System, Public Education Statistics,
Oklahoma 303 Oklahoma 723
Pollution Control History of Comparative Data 725
see Environmental Quality, Number of School Districts Voting
Department of 256 Millage 723
Polygraph Examiners Board 303 School District Net Valuations 723
Total General Fund Expenditures By
Pontotoc, county of 504–505
Function 724
population Total General Fund Revenue Received 723
cities and towns 576
Public Employees Benefits Council
demographics 948
see Oklahoma State Employees Benefits
in brief 2
Council 252
Port Authorities 303
Public Employees Relations Board 304
City of Tulsa-Rogers County Port
Authority 303 Public Employees Retirement System,
Muskogee City-County Port Authority 303 Oklahoma 304
Sallisaw Port Authority 303 Public Finance
Post Adjudication Review Advisory see Finance, Office of State 259
Board 236, 303 Public Instruction, Superintendent of 76
Pottawatomie, county of 506–507 Public Libraries In Oklahoma 332–338
Poverty 8 Public Safety
Precipitation 950 see Safety, Department of Public 308
President Pro Tempore of the Public Schools In Oklahoma 705–733
Attendance and Teacher Information 728–
Senate 103
730
prisons Consolidations of School Districts by
Institutions, Correctional 328 County 731
see Corrections, State Department of 244 County-by-County Education Revenue and
Private Security Licensing Expenditures (table) 727
see Law Enforcement Education and District Index 709–722
Training, Council on 284 Dropout Rate 706
Private Vocational Schools, Oklahoma Historical Expenditures Per Pupil in Average
Board of 303 Daily Attendance 707
Privatization of CompSource Operating Budget, Fiscal Year 733
Oklahoma, Task Force on 304 Public School Funding 707
Probation and Parole Offices 329 Standardized Test Scores 706
Proctor, Eric 133, 165 State Expenditures Per Pupil, 2003–
2004 708
Property Valuation 5
Student Statistics 705
Protocol Office, Oklahoma Chief Teacher and Administrator Statistics 706
International 311 Pushmataha, county of 508–509
Pruett, R.C. 133, 165
Pruitt, Scott 69, 71
Psychologists,
State Board of Examiners of 304
Public Affairs Office
see Central Services, Department of 234
Public Defenders
General Index 1017
Q Regents for Higher Education,

Oklahoma State 307
Rehabilitation Council, Oklahoma 308
Rehabilitation Services, Oklahoma
Quality Assessment and Accountability Department of 307
School for the Blind, Oklahoma 331
Task Force 305
School for the Deaf, Oklahoma 331
Quartz Mountain Arts and Conference
Reif, Justice John 193
Center and Nature Park, Board of
Renegar, Brian 133, 166
Trustees for 305
Renfrow, William Cary 755
Quinn, Marty 133, 166
Representatives Since Statehood,
House of 772–812
Respiratory Care Advisory
R Committee 308
see Medical Licensure and Supervision,
State Board of 289
Retirement System
see Public Employees Retirement System
Race to the Top Commission, and Teachers Retirement System 304
Oklahoma 305 see Public Employees Retirement System,
Racing with Pari-mutuel Wagering, Oklahoma 304
Interstate Compact Committee on see Teachers’ Retirement System of
Licensure of Participants in Live Oklahoma 318
Horse 305 Revenue Forecasting, Task Force on
Radiation Management Advisory Dynamic 308
Council 257 Reynolds, Jim 102, 119
Radioactive Waste Compact Reynolds, Mike 133, 166
Commission, Central Interstate Low- Rhodes Scholars, Oklahoma 914–915
level 305 Rice, Andrew 102, 120
Radio Stations, Oklahoma 345–349 Richardson, Phil 133, 167
Rail Compact, Interstate Midwest Richter, John C. 369
Regional Passenger 305 Ridley, Gary 79, 92
Rail Service 3 Ritze, Mike 133, 167
Rapp, Judge Keith 205 Rivers and Lakes (map) 970
Real Estate Appraisal Board 305 Roads Task Force, Innovative Funding
Real Estate Commission, for Oklahoma 308
Oklahoma 306 Roan, Paul 133, 168
Records Center, State 287 Roberts, Dustin 133, 168
Recreation 11 Robertson, James Brooks Ayers 757
Recreation and Development Roberts, Sean 133, 169
Revolving Fund Advisory Board, Roger Mills, county of 510–511
Oklahoma 306 Rogers, county of 512–513
Red Carpet Country 56 Rousselot, Wade 133, 169
Red River Compact Commission 306 Rural Action Partnership Program,
Reese, Jim 79, 81 Advisory Team for the 308
Refinery Authorization Review Rural Area Development Task
Panel 307 Force 308
Rural Development, Center for 308
Rural Economic Development Sears, Earl 133, 172

Loan Program Review Board, Seasons 977
Oklahoma 308 Seay, Abraham Jefferson 754
Russell, David L. 363 Seay, Frank H. 364
Russell, Steve 102, 120 Secretary of State 79, 80, 311
Russ, Todd 133, 169 Protocol Office, Oklahoma Chief
International 311
Secretaries of State Since Statehood 765
S
Securities Commission,
Oklahoma 311
Self-Directed Care Services Advisory
Committee 312
Self-Directed Services Program
Safety and Security, Secretary of 79, 91 Committee (DHS) 312
Safety, Department of Public 308 Seminole 514–515
Driver’s License Medical Advisory Senate, State
Committee 309 Committees 126–127
Injury Review Board 309 Contact Reference List 102
Sallisaw Port Authority 303 District Maps 100–101
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Leadership for the Senate 99
Natural History 296 President Pro Tempore of the Senate 103
Sanders, Mike 133, 170 Senate Since Statehood (history) 813–832
Senators by District 99
Santa Claus Commission 309
Senators, profiles of 99
Scenic Rivers Commission,
Senate, United States 355
Oklahoma 309
Sequoyah, county of 516–517
School and County Funds
Severe Thunderstorms 953
Management, Oklahoma
Shaken Baby Prevention Education
Commission On 309
Initiative Task Force 312
School for the Blind, Oklahoma 331
Shannon, T.W. 133, 172
School Health Coordinators Pilot
Shawnee 556
Program Steering Committee 309
Sheep and Wool Utilization Research
School of Science and Mathematics,
and Market Development
Oklahoma 309
Commission 312
School Principal Training Task Force,
Shelton, Mike 133, 173
Oklahoma 310
Sherrer, Benjamin 133, 173
School Readiness Board, Oklahoma
Sherrer, Gary L. 79, 84
Partnership for 310
Shoemake, Jerry 133, 174
Schulz, Mike 102, 121
Shortey, Ralph 102, 121
Schwartz, Colby 133, 171
Shorthand Reporters, State Board of
Science and Technology Council,
Examiners of Certified 312
Governor’s 310
Shumate, Jabar 133, 174
Science and Technology, Oklahoma
Simpson, Frank 102, 122
Center for the Advancement of
Small Business Compliance Advisory
(OCAST) 310
Panel 257
Science and Technology,
Small Business Regulatory Review
Secretary of 79, 92
Committee 239, 313
Scott, Seneca 133, 171
Smith, Judge Clancy 198
General Index 1019
Social Security Administration 373 see Compsource Oklahoma 239

Social Services State Officers Since Statehood 766–770
see Human Services, Department of 274 State Questions By Topic 609–643
Social Workers, Oklahoma State Board State Records Center 287
of Licensed 313 State Use Committee 235
Soil Conservation Statewide Independent Living
see Conservation Commission, Council 308
Oklahoma 239 Statewide Nine-One-One Advisory
Soldier Relief, Board 316
Special Committee on 313 Steele, George Washington 754
Solid Waste Management Advisory Steele, Kris 133, 135
Council 257 Stephens, county of 518–519
Sorghum Commission, Oklahoma 313 Stiles, Aaron 133, 174
Southern Community, Stillwater 554
Council on the 314 Streams 969
Southern Global Strategies Student Loan Authority 316
Council 314 Student Tracking and Reporting
Southern Growth Policies Board 313 Coordinating Committee 316
Southern Oklahoma Development Substance Abuse
Association (SODA) 314 see Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Southern Technology Council 313 Services, Department of 291
South Western Oklahoma Development Suicide Prevention Council,
Authority (SWODA) 314 Oklahoma 316
Space Industry Development Sullivan, Daniel 133, 175
Authority 315 Sullivan, John 357
Spaceport Territory Advisory Supreme Court 189
Council 315 Commissioners of the Supreme Court
Sparks, John 102, 122 (history) 847
Speaker of the House of Judicial Districts (map) 188
Representatives 135 Justices of the Supreme Court
(current) 190–194
Special Advocate 315
Justices of the Supreme Court
Speech-Language (history) 845
Pathology and Audiology, Surplus Property Distribution 316
Board of Examiners for 315 Surplus Property Sales (State) 316
Sperling, Sheldon 368 Sykes, Anthony 102, 123
Stanislawski, Gary 102, 123
State Bureau of Standards 225
T
State Dimensions (map) 947
State Emblems 57
State Employee
Charitable Contributions,
Oversight Committee for 315
State Employee Compensation, Tax Commission 317
Governor’s Task Force on 315 Taxes 8
State Facility Capital Needs Tax Incentives to Increase Natural Gas
Committee 316 Pipeline Capacity, Task Force on 317
State Insurance Fund
Tax Reform, Advisory Task Force on Tobacco Tax Advisory Committee,

Oklahoma Corporate Income 317 Cigarette and 320
Tax Reform, Task Force on Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation
Comprehensive 318 Advisory Committee 320
Tax System, Oklahoma Legislative Tornadoes in Oklahoma 952
Oversight Committee On the Annual Number of Tornadoes (chart) 954
Streamlined Sales 318 Average Number of Tornadoes by Month
Taylor, Vice-Chief Justice Steven W. 190 (chart) 953
Teacher and Administrator Total Votes Cast in General Elections
Statistics 706 for President and Governor
Teacher Certification (tables) 587–588
see Educational Personnel, Interstate Tourism and Recreation Department,
Agreement on Qualification of 250 Oklahoma 320
Teacher Competency Review Townships and Ranges (map) 946
Panel 318 Transformation Advisory Board,
Teacher Education and Certification Governor’s Mental Health Plan 320
Interstate Contract, National Transportation, Department of 320
Association of State Directors of Coast Guard Institute 373
see Educational Personnel, Interstate Federal Aviation Administration 373
Agreement on Qualification of 250 Federal Highway Administration 373
Teacher Preparation, Oklahoma Transportation Safety Institute 373
Commission for 318 Transportation overview 8
Teachers’ Retirement System of Transportation Safety Institute 373
Oklahoma 318 Transportation, Secretary of 79, 92
Teacher’s Retirement System Task Force, Trapp, Martin Edwin 757
Governors 319 Trauma Systems Improvement and
Technology Applications Review Board, Development Advisory Council,
State Governmental 319 Oklahoma 321
Television Stations, Oklahoma 350 Travel Office, State 321
Temperatures 952 Treasurer, Office of the State 73
Extreme Temperatures 956 Treasury, U.S. Department of
Normal Annual Temperatures (map) 952 Internal Revenue Service 373
Terrill, Randy 133, 175 Social Security Administration 373
Territorial Governors 754 Treat, Greg 102, 124
Texas, county of 520–521 Trebilcock, John 133, 177
Textbook Committee, Oklahoma Tribal Offices, Indian 276–277
State 319 Tuition Aid Grant Program, Oklahoma
Thompson, Michael C. 79, 91 (OTAG) 321
Thomsen, Todd 133, 176 Tulsa 546
Tiak District, U.S. Forest Service 371 Tulsa, county of 524–525
Tibbs, Sue 133, 176 Tulsa-Rogers County Port Authority,
Tillman, county of 522–523 City of 303
Time Zones 2 Turner, Roy Joseph 759
Tobacco Settlement Turnpike Authority, Oklahoma 321
Endowment Trust Fund
Board of Directors 319
Board of Investors 320
General Index 1021
U Hospitals 374
Regional Office 373
Veterans Centers 331
Veterans Employment and Training
Service 374
Underage Drinking, Joint Interim
Veterinary Medical Examiners,
Committee on 322
Board of 323
Uniform State Laws, Commissioners to
Virgin, Emily 133, 178
National Conference on 322
Virtual Internet School Pilot Program
United We Ride Council, Governor’s
Coordinating Committee 324
Oklahoma 322
Virtual School Task Force,
University Hospitals Authority
Statewide 324
see Hospitals Authority, University 273
Visual and Performing Arts, Oklahoma
U.S. Attorneys 368
Since Statehood 841 School for the 324
Board of Trustees 324
U.S. Bankruptcy Clerks 366
Vital Statistics, demographics 948
U.S. District Court Clerks 367
Viticulture and Enology Center 324
U.S. District Court Magistrates 367
Vocational Rehabilitation for Injured
U.S. District Judges 359–365
Senior Judges 364 Workers, Task Force on 324
Use Committee, State 322 Vocational Technical Education
see Career and Technology Education,
Used Motor Vehicle and Parts
Oklahoma Department of 234
Commission, Oklahoma 322
Voluntary Market Assistance Association
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 372 see Market Assistance Program Association,
U.S. Forest Service 371 Voluntary 289
U.S. Marshals Volunteerism, Oklahoma Office of 324
Eastern District 373 Volunteer Service Credit Bank Program
Northern District 373 see Human Services, Department of 274
Since Statehood 843
Voter Registration and Political
Western District 373
Affiliation, Changes in 586
Voting Districts of Cities and
V
Towns 687–701
Vulnerable Adult Intervention Task
Force (DHS) 324
VA Hospitals 374
Vaughn, Steve 133, 177
Vegetation 11
Vernacular and Cultural Regions 948
maps 949
W
Veterans Affairs Wage and Salary Employment by
Oklahoma Department of 323 Industrial Sector (table) 924
Secretary of 79, 93 Wagoner, county of 526–527
Veterans Affairs (VA) Walker, Purcy 133, 178
Cemetery, Ft. Gibson National 374 Walters, David Lee 761
Cemetery, Ft. Sill National 374 Walton, Jack Callaway 757
Employment and Training Service 374
War on Terror Memorial Design White, Ronald A. 363

Committee 324 Why Pluto Is Not A Planet: An
War Veterans Commission of Analogy 981
Oklahoma 324 Wichita Mountains Wildlife
Washington, county of 528–529 Refuge 372
Washita, county of 530–531 Wildfires 955
Water 971 Wildlife 972–975
Groundwater (map) 971 in brief 12
in brief 12 Wildlife Conservation,
Water Quality Management Advisory Department of 326
Council 257 Wildlife Violator Compact,
Water Quality Standards Interstate 326
Implementation Advisory Administrators, Board of Interstate 326
Committee, State 324 Williams, Cory T. 134, 179
Water Resources Board, Williams, Robert Lee 756
Oklahoma 324 Will Rogers Memorial
Waters and Water Rights Study Commission 326
Group 325 Wilson, Jim 102, 125
Waterways Advisory Board 325 Winchester, Justice James R. 194
Waterworks and Wastewater Works Winter Storms 956
Advisory Council 257 Wiseman, Judge Jane P. 204
Watson, Weldon 133, 178 Women, Oklahoma Commission on the
Watt, Justice Joseph M. 193 Status of 327
Weather Network, Oklahoma’s 957 Woods, county of 532–533
Weather, Observing the 952–957 Woodward, county of 534–535
Welfare Work Centers (Corrections) 329
see Human Services, Department of 274 Workers’ Compensation Court,
Well Drillers and Pump Installers Judges 217
Advisory Council 326 Workers Compensation Insurance
Wellness Council 252 see Compsource Oklahoma 239
Wesselhoft, Paul 134, 179 Workforce and Economic Development,
West, Lee R. 364 Governor’s Council for 327
Wheat Utilization, Research, and Workforce Solutions Staff Team 327
Market Development Commission, Wright, Harold 134, 180
Oklahoma 326 Wyrick, Charles 102, 125

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Commerce &

Oklahoma’s Hardest Hit Industries

Selected Oklahoma Indicators

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

Source: 2010 U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis

Major Employers in Oklahoma 2010

Company Name Business Type Location # Employees

Company Name Business Type Location # Employees

Company Name Business Type Location # Employees

Company Name Business Type Location # Employees

Oklahoma Average Annual Crude Oil Price

Source: Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Value of Petroleum and Natural Gas Production,

Oklahoma Oil and Gas

Oklahoma Average Wellhead Annual Natural Gas

Source: Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Oklahoma Activity Rotary Rigs

Source: Baker Hughes

Oklahoma Annual Crude Oil Production

Source: Energy Information Administration & Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Oklahoma Annual Natural Gas Production

Source: Energy Information Administration & Oklahoma Corporation Commission

2009 Crop Weather Review

Agricultural and Livestock

1987 1997 2007

Value of Land and Buildings (based on sample of farms)

Estimated Market Value of All Machinery and Equipment

1987 1997 2007

Farms by Value of Sales

Total Farm Production 2,359,468 3,576,456 5,223,365

Livestock and Poultry

1987 1997 2007

Selected Crops Harvested

Agricultural Trade Statistics, 2009

Longitude and Latitude

103° 102° 101°

Location and Size

Trends in County Populations

Townships and Ranges

Vernacular and Cultural Regions

Zdorkowski and Carney, 1985

Southwest Zelinsky, 1980

Normal Annual Precipitation

Normal Annual Snowfall

Other Climatic Features

Normal Annual Temperatures

Oklahoma’s Weather Hazards

868 “significant” tornadoes—rated at least F2 on the Fujita Scale—since 1950, the

Average Number of Tornadoes by Month

Annual Number of Tornadoes in Oklahoma

Annual Flood-Related Fatalities

Annual Rainfall History

Oklahoma’s Weather Network

Major Geological Provinces

Major Geological Provinces

Northern Shelf Areas

Source: Oklahoma Geography 1954 0 50 miles

Clay Common clay R OG E R

Source: Oklahoma Geological Survey/U.S. Geological Survey, 2005

Nonfuel Mineral Production, 2007

* Data withheld to avoid disclosing company proprietary data.

Fred Marvel, Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department.

“River of Rocks” at Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, near Lawton, Oklahoma.