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UID:3866
LOCATION:Virtual (Webinar)
DTSTAMP:20160203T150000
DTSTART:20160203T150000
DTEND:20160203T160000
SUMMARY:Yes\, Humans are Really Causing Earthquakes
DESCRIPTION:Presented by: Dr. Justin Rubinstein\, United States Geologica
 l Survey-Menlo Park\n\nThe central United States is experienci
 ng an unprecedented surge in earthquakes that began in 2009\,
  rising from an average of 21 magnitude 3 and larger quakes 
 to over 650 in 2014 alone. This increased earthquake activit
 y is found in just a few concentrated regions around the cou
 ntry\, with the lion’s share in Oklahoma. In 2014 there wer
 e more magnitude 3\, and larger\, earthquakes in Oklahoma than
  there were in California. The increased earthquake activity
  is limited to areas of new and emerging oil and gas product
 ion and is undoubtedly caused by some of the techniques the 
 use.\n\nWith a focus on oil and gas production and related tec
 hniques\, I will discuss the many ways that humans can cause 
 earthquakes. In the case of fluid injection\, the primary sou
 rce of the recent increase in earthquake rate\, the fluid pre
 ssure increase from injection can be transferred many miles 
 from the injection point. This fluid-pressure increase\, in e
 ffect\, lubricates the faults\, making them more prone to slip
 ping in earthquakes.\n\nRecent research shows that the rate at
  which injection occurs strongly influences whether earthqua
 kes will be induced\; areas with higher injection rates are m
 ore likely to have induced earthquakes. Other parameters\, li
 ke the total volume injected and the depth of injection are 
 also believed to affect the likelihood of induced earthquake
 s. Additionally\, local geological conditions are important\; 
 despite similar injection practices\, there is very little in
 jection-induced seismicity in North Dakota in stark contrast
  to Oklahoma.\n\nGiven that these earthquakes are human-caused
 \, there is hope that they can be minimized or even stopped. 
 Slowing or stopping injection\, changing injection depths\, or
  trucking fluids to other locations have all been suggested 
 as ways to curb induced seismicity. Regulators in a number o
 f states have taken notice of the increased seismicity and a
 re taking action to reduce the likelihood of damaging temblo
 rs. With future research to improve our understanding of flu
 id-injection induced earthquakes\, we may be able to reduce t
 heir likelihood\, something that is not possible for natural 
 earthquakes. To accomplish this\, though\, will require cooper
 ation between all the stakeholders including academic scient
 ists\, regulators\, and the oil and gas industry.
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