Citation

Sneed A. Sci. Am. 2014; 311(3): 30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Scientific American)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

25211897

Abstract

Geologists have used the term “induced seismicity” to describe earthquakes triggered by mining, dams, underground nuclear tests and wastewater injection. As oil and gas extraction methods become more common and more studies connect their disposal methods to seismic activity, the term will be one to watch.

Not long ago earthquakes in Oklahoma were rare. Not anymore. Twenty earthquakes of 3.0 magnitude or greater shook Oklahoma in 2009. The state has seen a 40-fold increase in seismicity since 2008. The cause? Humans, according to new research in Science. The study confirmed what geologists have been speculating for years: that underground water disposal by oil and gas companies causes earthquakes.

Language: en