Causes & Impacts of Human-Induced Earthquakes

Oil wellPhoto byDocumericaonUnsplash

Some earthquakes are caused by human activities, such as mining, reservoir-induced seismicity from filling large reservoirs, geothermal energy extraction, and wastewater injection from oil and gas operations. These activities can alter the stress conditions in the Earth's crust, releasing built-up seismic energy. Human-induced earthquakes, also known as anthropogenic or induced seismicity, are caused by human activities.

Most Common Causes Of Human-Induced Earthquakes

Mining Operations

Removing large volumes of rock and minerals can change the stress distribution in the Earth's crust, sometimes causing minor earthquakes. Excavation sites and any earth-moving activities can create human-induced earthquakes. The displacement of weight often triggers a cave-in, landslide, or, in extreme cases, earthquake.

Reservoir-Induced Seismicity (RIS)

Filling large reservoirs behind dams can increase the pressure on faults below the reservoir, potentially triggering earthquakes. USGS has some serious rules and regulations regarding damming up bodies of water.

Geothermal Energy Production

Extracting geothermal fluids or injecting water into geothermal reservoirs can alter subsurface pressures and cause earthquakes.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

Fracking involves injecting high-pressure fluid into rocks to create fractures for extracting oil or gas. The injection process can induce seismic activity. The stress placed on the rocks from fracking can create distress on the sides of the wells, rocks, or other fracked areas, thus triggering an earthquake.

Wastewater Injection

Disposing wastewater by injecting it deep underground can increase pore pressure in rocks, potentially triggering earthquakes.

Oil and Gas Extraction

Removing large volumes of oil or gas can change the stress balance in the surrounding rocks, leading to seismic events. From cave-ins to landslides, many activities can trigger an earthquake.

Underground Nuclear Tests

Nuclear explosions can create significant seismic waves, similar to natural earthquakes.

Human-induced earthquakes tend to be smaller in magnitude compared to natural earthquakes, but there have been notable exceptions. The increased understanding and monitoring of these activities aim to mitigate the risks associated with induced seismicity.

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