Is the number of felt earthquakes occurring northeast of Oklahoma City, unusual? Somewhat, but at this point there is no reason to be alarmed. Small earthquakes such as these can occur anywhere in the world. The US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates that there are as many as 3,000 of these small earthquakes occurring every day. Earthquake swarms like this can go on for many months, and usually do not lead up to a major earthquake.
Do we know what is causing the earthquakes? No, without further study it is not possible to determine what is causing the earthquakes. The USGS and the Oklahoma Geological Survey are working together to conduct a limited field study to better measure any future earthquakes that could occur in eastern Oklahoma County.
Why on earth would you lie? That's disgusting.
ReplyDeleteThe number of earthquakes has increased dramatically over the past few years within the central and eastern United States. More than 300 earthquakes above a magnitude 3.0 occurred in the three years from 2010-2012, compared with an average rate of 21 events per year observed from 1967-2000.
This increase in earthquakes prompts two important questions: Are they natural, or man-made? And what should be done in the future as we address the causes and consequences of these events to reduce associated risks? USGS scientists have been analyzing the changes in the rate of earthquakes as well as the likely causes, and they have some answers.
USGS scientists have found that at some locations the increase in seismicity coincides with the injection of wastewater in deep disposal wells. Much of this wastewater is a byproduct of oil and gas production and is routinely disposed of by injection into wells specifically designed and approved for this purpose.
Review Article on Injection-Induced Earthquakes
U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist William Ellsworth reviewed the issue of injection-induced earthquakes in a recent study published in the journal Science. The article focused on the injection of fluids into deep wells as a common practice for disposal of wastewater, and discusses recent events and key scientific challenges for assessing this hazard and moving forward to reduce associated risks.
http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/features/usgs_top_story/man-made-earthquakes/