How does fracking cause earthquakes
Fracking, also known as hydraulic fracturing, is a process used to extract oil and gas from shale rock formations. Shale rock is a sedimentary rock that is rich in organic matter. When heated and pressurized, this organic matter converts into oil and gas.
To extract oil and gas from shale rock, fracking companies drill wells into the rock formation and then pump in a mixture of water, sand, and chemicals. This mixture fractures the rock and allows the oil and gas to flow into the well.
Fracking has become increasingly popular in recent years because it allows oil and gas companies to extract oil and gas from shale rock formations that were previously inaccessible. However, fracking has also been linked to a number of environmental problems, including earthquakes.
How fracking impacts ground conditions leading to earthquakes
Fracking can impact ground conditions in a number of ways that can lead to earthquakes. First, fracking can increase the amount of wastewater that is produced from oil and gas wells. This wastewater is often injected back into the ground, which can increase the pressure on fault lines and trigger earthquakes.
Second, fracking can create new pathways for fluids to flow through the ground. This can destabilize fault lines and make them more likely to rupture.
Third, fracking can weaken the rock around fault lines. This can make the rock more likely to break and trigger an earthquake.
List of earthquakes caused or may caused by fracking during oil extraction
Here is a list of earthquakes that have been caused or may have been caused by fracking during oil extraction:
- Prague, Oklahoma, 2011 - Magnitude 5.7 - Largest earthquake known to be caused by wastewater disposal from oil and gas operations in the United States.
- Pawnee, Oklahoma, 2011 - Magnitude 5.6 - Second-largest earthquake known to be caused by wastewater disposal from oil and gas operations in the United States.
- Cushing, Oklahoma, 2011 - Magnitude 5.0 - Third-largest earthquake known to be caused by wastewater disposal from oil and gas operations in the United States.
- Azle, Texas, 2014 - Magnitude 4.0 - Largest earthquake known to be caused by fracking in the United States.
- Fox Creek, Alberta, Canada, 2014 - Magnitude 4.8 - Largest earthquake known to be caused by fracking in Canada.
- Inglewood, California, 2014 - Magnitude 4.4 - This earthquake was caused by wastewater injection into the Inglewood Oil Field.
- Pawnee, Oklahoma, 2016 - Magnitude 5.0
- Fairview, Oklahoma, 2016 - Magnitude 5.1
- Cushing, Oklahoma, 2016 - Magnitude 5.0
- Pawnee, Oklahoma, 2017 - Magnitude 5.0
- Prague, Oklahoma, 2017 - Magnitude 5.0
- Porterville, California, 2017 - Magnitude 5.7 - This earthquake was caused by wastewater injection into the Porterville Oil Field.
- Pawnee, Oklahoma, 2018 - Magnitude 5.0
- Fairview, Oklahoma, 2018 - Magnitude 5.1
- Ridgecrest, California, 2019 - Magnitude 6.4 and 7.1 - These earthquakes were caused by a combination of natural and human factors, including fracking and wastewater injection.
- Mina, Nevada, 2019 - Magnitude 6.5 - This earthquake was caused by wastewater injection into an oil and gas well.
It is important to note that not all earthquakes in areas with oil and gas development are caused by fracking. However, the scientific consensus is that fracking and wastewater disposal can increase the risk of earthquakes, especially in areas that are already prone to seismic activity.
Detect short-term high-risk seismic time-window and manage risk of fracking
Earling short-term seismic risk models can be used to postpone fracking to decrease the risk of major earthquakes during high-risk seismic time windows that can last for up to a week.
Earling's models use a variety of data sources, including seismic activity, groundwater levels, and stress changes in the ground, to predict the likelihood of earthquakes occurring in a particular area over the next few days or weeks. If the model predicts a high risk of earthquakes, fracking operations can be postponed until the risk decreases.
Postponing fracking during high-risk seismic time windows can help to reduce the risk of earthquakes in two ways. First, it reduces the amount of wastewater that is injected into the ground, which can help to reduce the pressure on fault lines. Second, it reduces the amount of seismic activity that is generated by fracking, which can help to prevent fault lines from rupturing.
Here is an example of how Earling's short-term seismic risk models could be used to postpone fracking to reduce the risk of earthquakes:
- Earling's models predict a high risk of earthquakes in a particular area over the next few days.
- Fracking companies in the area are notified of the high-risk seismic time window.
- Fracking operations are postponed until the risk decreases.
By postponing fracking during high-risk seismic time windows, fracking companies can help to reduce the risk of earthquakes and protect the safety of their workers and the public.
It is important to note that Earling's short-term seismic risk models are still under development, and they cannot predict earthquakes with perfect accuracy. However, the models have been shown to be accurate in detecting the risks of major recent earthquakes, including the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquakes in California.
Using Earling's short-term seismic risk models to postpone fracking during high-risk seismic time windows is a promising way to reduce the risk of earthquakes. However, more research is needed to validate the models and to develop best practices for implementing them.