In Oldham County alone there are nearly a dozen such sites in isolated spots inaccessible except afoot or horseback. On private property, they can be visited only by permission of the ranch owners. Today this level expanse is rich, producing oil, gas, wheat, small grain crops, and fine Herefords. At intervals the countryside is covered with a pall of smoke from factories and refineries. The land, once believed to be suitable only for ranching, is generally fertile, and tractors have furrowed it mile upon mile.
Arid areas contain gypsum and caliche.
Approximately 2,000 feet below the surface, an underground extension of the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma contains enormous oil reserves. Much of the world's supply of helium comes from this section and its natural gas is piped to distant states. On this treeless plain, days may begin in warmth and end with snow. Dust swirls before northers, sometimes darkening the sun. Strip crops are planted to prevent erosion by wind.