EXHIBIT 23.1


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our report included in this Form 10-K, into United Meridian Corporation's
previously filed Registration Statements on Form S-8 Nos. 33-86480, 33-79160,
33-73574, 33-72258 and 333-05401.



                                 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Houston, Texas
March 6, 1997