1
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Wilkinson M, Mhana N, Wilson MP, Foulger GR, Tezel T, Gluyas JG. The plausibility of claimed induced seismicity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:30846. [PMID: 39730566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-81632-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 12/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Claims of industrially induced seismicity vary from indisputable to unpersuasive and yet the veracity of industrial induction is vital for regulatory and operational practice. Assessment schemes have been developed in response to this need. We report here an initial assessment of the reliability of all globally known cases of proposed human-induced earthquakes and invite specialists on particular cases to refine these results. 1235 cases were assessed, requiring over 1000 h of work. From the 881 cases for which scorable evidence is available, we class 87% as 'Confidently Induced', 10% as 'Probably Induced', 2% as 'Equivocal' and < 1% as 'Confidently Natural'. The most seismogenic activities are fracking, research, geothermal, water reservoir impoundment, conventional oil and gas. Least seismogenic activities are construction, deep penetrating bombs, coal bed methane. 354 cases (29%) lack enough information to be assessable. Future work could include applying data mining techniques including natural language processing and AI to uncover new evidence. Future best practice for rapid assessment of cases would ideally involve an independent panel of scientists who rapidly apply a questionnaire scheme, reach consensus, and inform a response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Wilkinson
- Foulger Consulting Ltd., Durham, UK
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Najwa Mhana
- Foulger Consulting Ltd., Durham, UK
- Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Miles P Wilson
- Foulger Consulting Ltd., Durham, UK
- Department of Earth Sciences, Science Labs, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Gillian R Foulger
- Foulger Consulting Ltd., Durham, UK.
- Department of Earth Sciences, Science Labs, Durham University, Durham, UK.
| | - Timur Tezel
- Department of Earth Sciences, Science Labs, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Jon G Gluyas
- Department of Earth Sciences, Science Labs, Durham University, Durham, UK
- Geoenergy Durham Ltd., Durham, UK
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2
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Song CH, Lu CP, Zhang XF, Wang C, Song JF, Liu Y, Li SD, Zhao D. Uncovering the complexity of source mechanism in an anisotropic coal mine using sequential inversion. Sci Rep 2024; 14:31495. [PMID: 39733178 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurate characterisation of seismic source mechanisms in mining environments is crucial for effective hazard mitigation, but it is complicated by the presence of anisotropic geological conditions. Neglecting anisotropic effects during moment tensor (MT) inversion introduces significant distortions in the retrieved source characteristics. In this study, we investigated the impact of ignoring anisotropy during MT inversion on the reliability of hazard assessment. We investigated a high-energy (2.18×106 J) induced by mining activities in the Nantun coal mine in China. The subsurface was modelled as a vertically transversely isotropic medium, incorporating four different levels of anisotropy derived from site-specific geological and tomographic data. The results demonstrate that neglecting anisotropy led to significant distortions in the retrieved source parameters, including polarity flips and the introduction of spurious non-double-couple components. These artefacts compromised the accuracy of hazard analysis and undermined the effectiveness of risk management strategies. In contrast, the sequential inversion method yields a MT solution with a 0.14 misfit, accurately retrieving the focal mechanism, which is interpreted as a normal right-lateral oblique shear failure along the F3 fault. This study highlights the importance of properly incorporating anisotropy effects when analysing induced seismicity in heterogeneous mining environments. The use of a homogeneous Green's function for MT inversion may be inadequate for reliable hazard assessment, underscoring the need for advanced techniques that can effectively model the influence of subsurface anisotropy on seismic wave propagation and source retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hui Song
- Key Laboratory of Deep Coal Resource Mining (Ministry of Education), School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Cai-Ping Lu
- Key Laboratory of Deep Coal Resource Mining (Ministry of Education), School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Xiu-Feng Zhang
- Research Center for Rock Burst Control, Shandong Energy Group Co., LTD, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, PR China
| | - Chao Wang
- Yankuang Energy Group Co., LTD, Zoucheng, 273513, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jie-Fang Song
- Key Laboratory of Deep Coal Resource Mining (Ministry of Education), School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Deep Coal Resource Mining (Ministry of Education), School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shi-Dong Li
- Zhaolou Coal Mine, Yankuang Energy Group Co., LTD, Juye, 252123, Shandong, PR China
| | - Dapeng Zhao
- Department of Geophysics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
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3
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Srokosz PE, Daniszewska E, Banach J, Śmieja M. In-Depth Analysis of Low-Cost Micro Electromechanical System (MEMS) Accelerometers in the Context of Low Frequencies and Vibration Amplitudes. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:6877. [PMID: 39517774 PMCID: PMC11548334 DOI: 10.3390/s24216877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Shock and vibration hazards to civil structures are common and come not only from earthquakes but most often from mining operations or foundation work involving the installation of piles using hammer-driving and vibrating technology. The purpose of this study is to present test methods for low-cost MEMS accelerometers in terms of their selection for low-amplitude acceleration vibration-prone object-monitoring systems. Tests of 24 commercially available digital accelerometers were carried out on a custom-built test bench, selecting four models for detailed tests conducted on a specially built precision vibration table capable of inflicting accelerations at frequencies of 1-2 Hz, using displacements as small as a few micrometers. The analysis of the results was based, among other things, on a modified method of determining the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and also on the idea of the effective number of bits (ENOB). The results of the analysis showed that among low-cost MEMS accelerometers, there are some that are successfully suitable for the monitoring and warning of excessive vibration hazards in situations where objects are extremely sensitive to such impacts (e.g., treatment rooms in hospitals). Examples of accelerometers capable of detecting harmonic vibrations with amplitudes as small as 10 mm/s2 or impulsive shocks with amplitudes of at least 70 mm/s2 are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ewa Daniszewska
- Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-957 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Jakub Banach
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-957 Olsztyn, Poland; (J.B.); (M.Ś.)
| | - Michał Śmieja
- Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-957 Olsztyn, Poland; (J.B.); (M.Ś.)
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4
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Yu J, Eijsink A, Marone C, Rivière J, Shokouhi P, Elsworth D. Role of critical stress in quantifying the magnitude of fluid-injection triggered earthquakes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7893. [PMID: 39256369 PMCID: PMC11387842 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52089-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Here we define and report the relationship between the maximum seismic magnitude (M) and injection volume (ΔV) through fluid-injection fault-reactivation experiments and analysis. This relationship incorporates the in situ shear modulus (G) and fault pre-stress as a fraction of the strength drop (c), expressed as M = c/(1-c) GΔV. Injection response defines a sigmoidal relation in M - Δ V space with unit gradient limbs linked by an intermediate up-step. Both laboratory observations and analysis for a rigid fault with slip limited to the zone of pressurization show trajectories of cumulative M - Δ V that evolve at a gradient of unity, are offset in order of increasing pre-stress and are capable of step changes in moment with shear reactivation at elevated critical-stresses - key features apparent in field observations. The model and confirmatory laboratory observations explain the occurrence of some triggered earthquakes at EGS sites significantly larger than expected relative to injection volumes and based on previous models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yu
- Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, EMS Energy Institute and G3 Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Agathe Eijsink
- Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, EMS Energy Institute and G3 Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Chris Marone
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, La Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacques Rivière
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Parisa Shokouhi
- Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Derek Elsworth
- Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, EMS Energy Institute and G3 Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia.
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5
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Schultz R. Inferring maximum magnitudes from the ordered sequence of large earthquakes. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2024; 382:20230185. [PMID: 38910394 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2023.0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The largest magnitude earthquake in a sequence is often used as a proxy for hazard estimates, as consequences are often predominately from this single event (in small seismic zones). In this article, the concept of order statistics is adapted to infer the maximum magnitude ([Formula: see text]) of an earthquake catalogue. A suite tools developed here can discern [Formula: see text] influences through hypothesis testing, quantify [Formula: see text] through maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) or select the best [Formula: see text] prediction amongst several models. The efficacy of these tools is benchmarked against synthetic and real-data tests, demonstrating their utility. Ultimately, 13 cases of induced seismicity spanning wastewater disposal, hydraulic fracturing and enhanced geothermal systems are tested for volume-based [Formula: see text]. I find that there is no evidence of volume-based processes influencing any of these cases. On the contrary, all these cases are adequately explained by an unbounded magnitude distribution. This is significant because it suggests that induced earthquake hazards should also be treated as unbounded. On the other hand, if bounded cases exist, then the tools developed here will be able to discern them, potentially changing how an operator mitigates these hazards. Overall, this suite of tools will be important for better-understanding earthquakes and managing their risks. This article is part of the theme issue 'Induced seismicity in coupled subsurface systems'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Schultz
- Swiss Seismological Service, ETH Zürich , Zürich, Switzerland
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Michas G, Vallianatos F. Stochastic modeling of injection induced seismicity based on the continuous time random walk model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4951. [PMID: 38418920 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal evolution of earthquakes induced by fluid injections into the subsurface can be erratic owing to the complexity of the physical process. To effectively mitigate the associated hazard and to draft appropriate regulatory strategies, a detailed understanding of how induced seismicity may evolve is needed. In this work, we build on the well-established continuous-time random walk (CTRW) theory to develop a purely stochastic framework that can delineate the essential characteristics of this process. We use data from the 2003 and 2012 hydraulic stimulations in the Cooper Basin geothermal field that induced thousands of microearthquakes to test and demonstrate the applicability of the model. Induced seismicity in the Cooper Basin shows all the characteristics of subdiffusion, as indicated by the fractional order power-law growth of the mean square displacement with time and broad waiting-time distributions with algebraic tails. We further use an appropriate master equation and the time-fractional diffusion equation to map the spatiotemporal evolution of seismicity. The results show good agreement between the model and the data regarding the peak earthquake concentration close to the two injection wells and the stretched exponential relaxation of seismicity with distance, suggesting that the CTRW model can be efficiently incorporated into induced seismicity forecasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Michas
- Section of Geophysics - Geothermics, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Filippos Vallianatos
- Section of Geophysics - Geothermics, Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Institute of Physics of Earth's Interior and Geohazards, UNESCO Chair on Solid Earth Physics and Geohazards Risk Reduction, Hellenic Mediterranean University Research Center, Crete, Greece
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7
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Raza H, Kivi IR, França GS, Vilarrasa V. Reservoir impoundment-triggered seismicity in Brazil: the case of M4.0 Nova Ponte earthquake. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22226. [PMID: 38097626 PMCID: PMC10721630 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48924-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Reservoir-triggered seismicity commonly occurs as a result of reservoir impoundment. In particular, the Nova Ponte reservoir triggered a series of earthquakes, including the 1998 M4.0 earthquake, which represents the second-largest earthquake triggered by reservoir impoundment in Brazil. The earthquake occurred after prolonged seismic activity following reservoir impoundment starting in 1993. After more than two decades, the mechanisms governing these earthquakes and their relation with the spatiotemporal evolution of the seismic events are still poorly understood. Here, we explain the causal mechanisms of the two largest earthquakes: an initial response M3.5 in 1995 and the delayed M4.0 in 1998. To this end, we numerically simulate the poromechanical subsurface response to reservoir impoundment using a 3D model that includes three geological layers down to 10 km depth. From the proposed potential nodal planes of the 1995 M3.5 earthquake, we show that the earthquake has most likely occurred on a vertical, E-W-oriented strike-slip fault with a reverse-displacement component. Deviatoric stresses generated by the water column loading on the surface, superimposed by undrained pore pressure enhancement in deep low-permeability layers can explain the fault reactivation. We find that for the 1998 M4.0 earthquake to occur, conductive flow pathways with permeability as high as 6.6·10-15 m2 should exist to transmit pore pressure to a deep critically oriented fault. Our analysis raises the importance of accounting for coupled poromechanical mechanisms controlling fault stability, hydromechanical properties of different rock layers, and realistic shape of the reservoir to accurately assess the potential for reservoir-triggered seismicity. We conclude that reliable forecasting models require accurate subsurface characterization before reservoir filling to enable managing the associated reservoir-triggered seismicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Raza
- Seismological Observatory, Graduate Program in Geology, Institute of Geosciences, University of Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, 70297-400, Brazil.
- Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil.
- Global Change Research Group (GCRG), IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB, 07190, Esporles, Spain.
| | - Iman Rahimzadeh Kivi
- Global Change Research Group (GCRG), IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB, 07190, Esporles, Spain
- Associated Unit: Hydrogeology Group (UPC-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - George Sand França
- Seismological Observatory, Graduate Program in Geology, Institute of Geosciences, University of Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Brasília, 70297-400, Brazil
- Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Victor Vilarrasa
- Global Change Research Group (GCRG), IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB, 07190, Esporles, Spain
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8
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Peng X, Zhao R, Deng K. A Comprehensive Numerical Model for Reservoir-Induced Earthquake Risk Assessment. ENTROPY (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 25:1383. [PMID: 37895505 PMCID: PMC10606261 DOI: 10.3390/e25101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of seismic risk and the prevention of earthquake occurrences during reservoir operation present significant challenges in terms of accurate determination. This study aims to address this issue by developing a numerical model. The primary objective is to estimate the vulnerability of different fault types to reservoir impoundment. This model integrates essential parameters such as fault dip and the relative orientation between the reservoir and potential earthquakes, and it is structured within a risk framework using polar coordinates. Through comprehensive computations, we evaluate the alterations in elastic stress and fluid pore pressure resulting from water impoundment. This is achieved by employing a fully coupled two-dimensional poroelastic approach. Furthermore, our model incorporates relevant seismic data to enhance its accuracy. The findings of our study underscore that the critical factor lies in the fault's precise positioning with respect to the reservoir. The risk associated with a fault is contingent upon both its location and its orientation, emphasizing the importance of these factors in determining hazardous zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Earth Exploration and Information Technology of Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China; (X.P.); (R.Z.)
- College of Geophysics, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Earth Exploration and Information Technology of Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China; (X.P.); (R.Z.)
- College of Geophysics, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
| | - Kai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Earth Exploration and Information Technology of Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China; (X.P.); (R.Z.)
- College of Geophysics, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China
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9
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Herath P, Attanayake J, Gahalaut K. A reservoir induced earthquake swarm in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18251. [PMID: 36309533 PMCID: PMC9617912 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
An anomalous seismic sequence of five small (MW < 3) felt earthquakes occurred between 29 August 2020 and 05 December 2020 around the Victoria Reservoir in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that clearly exceeded the established national background seismic rate. Using seismic waveform template-matching and a newly developed single-station earthquake location method based on travel-time back-projection, we detected an additional co-located 23 microseismic events, of which 18 occurred within the same period as the felt events. This hitherto undetected seismic swarm defines a seismogenic zone beneath the western flank of the reservoir between 1.5 and 3 km depths. The reservoir-induced peak stresses, resolved on E-W striking faults, predicted from the poroelastic theory that include both drained and undrained crustal responses are ~ 15 kPa in an area overlapping the seismogenic zone, which, together with the physical and spatio-temporal characteristics of the seismic swarm, establish a causal link between reservoir-induced stresses and the earthquake swarm with implications to seismic hazard. This is the first record of induced seismicity in Sri Lanka. The newly developed efficient computational workflows with minimal operational costs described in our study provide a blueprint for monitoring reservoir-induced seismicity in developing countries with severe resource limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasan Herath
- Institute of Geophysics, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Januka Attanayake
- School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Kalpna Gahalaut
- CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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10
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Schwardt M, Pilger C, Gaebler P, Hupe P, Ceranna L. Natural and Anthropogenic Sources of Seismic, Hydroacoustic, and Infrasonic Waves: Waveforms and Spectral Characteristics (and Their Applicability for Sensor Calibration). SURVEYS IN GEOPHYSICS 2022; 43:1265-1361. [PMID: 35911621 PMCID: PMC9309596 DOI: 10.1007/s10712-022-09713-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The record of seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasonic waves is essential to detect, identify, and localize sources of both natural and anthropogenic origin. To guarantee traceability and inter-station comparability, as well as an estimation of the measurement uncertainties leading to a better monitoring of natural disasters and environmental aspects, suitable measurement standards and reliable calibration procedures of sensors, especially in the low-frequency range down to 0.01 Hz, are required. Most of all with regard to the design goal of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation's International Monitoring System, which requires the stations to be operational nearly 100% of the time, the on-site calibration during operation is of special importance. The purpose of this paper is to identify suitable excitation sources and elaborate necessary requirements for on-site calibrations. We give an extensive literature review of a large variety of anthropogenic and natural sources of seismic, hydroacoustic, and infrasonic waves, describe their most prominent features regarding signal and spectral characteristics, explicitly highlight some source examples, and evaluate the reviewed sources with respect to requirements for on-site calibrations such as frequency bandwidth, signal properties as well as the applicability in terms of cost-benefit. According to our assessment, earthquakes stand out across all three waveform technologies as a good natural excitation signal meeting the majority of the requirements. Furthermore, microseisms and microbaroms allow a calibration at very low frequencies. We also find that in each waveform technique man-made controlled sources such as drop weights or air guns are in good agreement with the required properties, although limitations may arise regarding the practicability. Using these sources, procedures will be established allowing calibration without record interrupting, thereby improving data quality and the identification of treaty-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Schwardt
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph Pilger
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Gaebler
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany
| | - Patrick Hupe
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Ceranna
- Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany
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11
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Hydraulic Fracturing of Soft and Hard Rocks. Part 2: Acoustic Emissions, Source Mechanisms and Energy. Transp Porous Media 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11242-022-01819-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Source Geometry and Causes of the 2019 Ms6.0 Changning Earthquake in Sichuan, China Based on InSAR. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14092082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
On 17 June 2019, an Ms6.0 earthquake occurred in Changning, Sichuan, China (Changning event), which was the largest earthquake on record within 50 km of the area. It attracted great attention as the area has the largest shale gas production in China as well as significant mineral salt production. Using the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), we extract the coseismic deformation of the Changning event and two earlier Ms > 5.0 earthquakes which occurred in the same region (16 December 2018 Ms5.7 and 3 January 2019 Ms5.3) from the Sentinel-1 and ALOS2 data. We use nonlinear and linear methods to invert the fault models of the three earthquakes based on the deformation fields. The final model shows that the Changning event was caused by a fault with left-lateral strike and thrust slip. The strike is 124.3° with a dip angle of 43.4°. The seismic moment obtained by inversion is 5.28 × 1017 Nm, corresponding to Mw 5.78. Based on the fault models, we analyze the cause of the Changning earthquake considering the local tectonic setting, Coulomb stress change, mining, and fluid injection. We consider that the event may be related to salt mining. The two earlier Ms > 5.0 earthquakes may also play an important role in advancing the Changning earthquake.
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13
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Parvizishad M, Naseri S, Nabizadeh R, Bidar AS, Mahvi AH, Goodarzi F. Analyzing the Impact of Large Dams on Seismicity Patterns around Their Locations. ARCHIVES OF HYDRO-ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL MECHANICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/heem-2021-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Dam construction is one of the most popular solutions for managing water resources. In recent years, changes in patterns of regional seismicity associated with large impoundment dams have raised concerns among environmentalists. In this study, five large dams located in Iran were studied from this perspective. The Gutenberg-Richter, linear regression and T-test were used to examine the seismic changes in the radius of 100 km of each of the dams during a twenty-five-year period before and after the construction of the dams. The results revealed that the seismicity level and relative density of large and small earthquakes in three of these dams have increased after dam construction. A significant difference between the magnitude of earthquakes, as well as the number of earthquakes before and after the construction of dams in the region, was recognized. However, the results of the T-test statistical analysis indicated that the mean depth of the earthquakes and their distance from the dams before and after construction have not changed significantly. Overall, these results indicated that the construction of large impoundment dams has been associated with some changes in patterns of regional seismicity. The findings would guide researchers to further investigate the type of impacts that dam construction may have on seismicity patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Parvizishad
- School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Simin Naseri
- School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Ramin Nabizadeh
- School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | | | - Amir Hossein Mahvi
- School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | - Fatemeh Goodarzi
- School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
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14
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Analysis of the 2016-2018 fluid-injection induced seismicity in the High Agri Valley (Southern Italy) from improved detections using template matching. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20630. [PMID: 34667175 PMCID: PMC8526624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00047-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving the capability of seismic network to detect weak seismic events is one of the timeless challenges in seismology: the greater is the number of detected and locatable seismic events, the greater insights on the mechanisms responsible for seismic activation may be gained. Here we implement and apply a single-station template matching algorithm to detect events belonging to the fluid-injection induced seismicity cluster located in the High Agri Valley, Southern Italy, using the continuous seismic data stream of the closest station of the INSIEME network. To take into account the diversity of waveforms, albeit belonging to the same seismic cluster, eight different master templates were adopted. Afterwards, using all the stations of the network, we provide a seismic catalogue consisting of 196 located earthquakes, in the magnitude range - 1.2 ≤ Ml ≤ 1.2, with a completeness magnitude Mc = - 0.5 ± 0.1. This rich seismic catalogue allows us to describe the damage zone of a SW dipping fault, characterized by a variety of fractures critically stressed in the dip range between ~ 45° and ~ 75°. The time-evolution of seismicity clearly shows seismic swarm distribution characteristics with many events of similar magnitude, and the seismicity well correlates with injection operational parameters (i.e. injected volumes and injection pressures).
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Cesca S, Stich D, Grigoli F, Vuan A, López-Comino JÁ, Niemz P, Blanch E, Dahm T, Ellsworth WL. Seismicity at the Castor gas reservoir driven by pore pressure diffusion and asperities loading. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4783. [PMID: 34376685 PMCID: PMC8355105 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24949-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2013 seismic sequence at the Castor injection platform offshore Spain, including three earthquakes of magnitude 4.1, occurred during the initial filling of a planned Underground Gas Storage facility. The Castor sequence is one of the most important cases of induced seismicity in Europe and a rare example of seismicity induced by gas injection into a depleted oil field. Here we use advanced seismological techniques applied to an enhanced waveform dataset, to resolve the geometry of the faults, develop a greatly enlarged seismicity catalog and record details of the rupture kinematics. The sequence occurred by progressive fault failure and unlocking, with seismicity initially migrating away from the injection points, triggered by pore pressure diffusion, and then back again, breaking larger asperities loaded to higher stress and producing the largest earthquakes. Seismicity occurred almost exclusively on a secondary fault, located below the reservoir, dipping opposite from the reservoir bounding fault. The 2013 Castor seismic sequence, offshore Spain, is a rare example of seismicity induced by gas storage operations. Here we show that early seismicity marked the progressive failure of a fault in response to pore pressure diffusion, while later larger earthquakes resulted by the failure of loaded asperities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Cesca
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Daniel Stich
- Instituto Andaluz de Geofísica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Física Teórica y del Cosmos, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francesco Grigoli
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Swiss Seismological Service, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Vuan
- National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics - OGS, Trieste, Italy
| | - José Ángel López-Comino
- Instituto Andaluz de Geofísica, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Departamento de Física Teórica y del Cosmos, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Peter Niemz
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.,Institute of Geosciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Estefanía Blanch
- Departament de Física-EPSEB, UPC Barcelona Tech, Barcelona, Spain.,Observatori de l'Ebre (OE), CSIC-Universitat Ramon Llull, Roquetes, Spain
| | - Torsten Dahm
- GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Hunfeld LB, Chen J, Niemeijer AR, Ma S, Spiers CJ. Seismic Slip-Pulse Experiments Simulate Induced Earthquake Rupture in the Groningen Gas Field. GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS 2021; 48:e2021GL092417. [PMID: 34219831 PMCID: PMC8243972 DOI: 10.1029/2021gl092417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rock materials show dramatic dynamic weakening in large-displacement (m), high-velocity (∼1 m/s) friction experiments, providing a mechanism for the generation of large, natural earthquakes. However, whether such weakening occurs during induced M3-4 earthquakes (dm displacements) is unknown. We performed rotary-shear experiments on simulated fault gouges prepared from the source-, reservoir- and caprock formations present in the seismogenic Groningen gas field (Netherlands). Water-saturated gouges were subjected to a slip pulse reaching a peak circumferential velocity of 1.2-1.7 m/s and total displacements of 13-20 cm, at 2.5-20 MPa normal stress. The results show 22%-81% dynamic weakening within 5-12 cm of slip, depending on normal stress and gouge composition. At 20 MPa normal stress, dynamic weakening from peak friction coefficients of 0.4-0.9 to 0.19-0.27 was observed, probably through thermal pressurization. We infer that similar effects play a key role during induced seismic slip on faults in the Groningen and other reservoir systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk B. Hunfeld
- HPT LaboratoryDepartment of Earth SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Now at Advisory Group for Economic AffairsThe Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Jianye Chen
- HPT LaboratoryDepartment of Earth SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Now at Faculty of Civil Engineering and GeosciencesTechnical University of DelftDelftThe Netherlands
| | - André R. Niemeijer
- HPT LaboratoryDepartment of Earth SciencesUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Shengli Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Earthquake DynamicsInstitute of GeologyChina Earthquake AdministrationBeijingChina
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17
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Constraining maximum event magnitude during injection-triggered seismicity. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1528. [PMID: 33750772 PMCID: PMC7943564 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms controlling fluid injection-triggered seismicity is key in defining strategies to ameliorate it. Recent triggered events (e.g. Pohang, Mw 5.5) have exceeded predictions of average energy release by a factor of >1000x, necessitating robust methodologies to both define critical antecedent conditions and to thereby constrain anticipated event size. We define maximum event magnitudes resulting from triggering as a function of pre-existing critical stresses and fluid injection volume. Fluid injection experiments on prestressed laboratory faults confirm these estimates of triggered moment magnitudes for varied boundary conditions and injection rates. In addition, observed ratios of shear slip to dilation rates on individual faults signal triggering and may serve as a measurable proxy for impending rupture. This new framework provides a robust method of constraining maximum event size for preloaded faults and unifies prior laboratory and field observations that span sixteen decades in injection volume and four decades in length scale. Recently triggered seismic events such as the Pohang earthquake have exceeded predictions of average energy releases by a factor of 1000. A new framework is proposed to define maximum event magnitudes as a function of pre-existing critical stresses and fluid injection volume.
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Abd el-aal AK, Al-Enezi A, Saadalla H, Al-Jeri F. Tectonic and Anthropogenic Characteristics of the November 15, 2019 Micro Earthquakes Sequence, Kuwait. GEOTECTONICS 2021; 55:112-127. [DOI: 10.1134/s0016852121010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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Lei X, Su J, Wang Z. Growing seismicity in the Sichuan Basin and its association with industrial activities. SCIENCE CHINA. EARTH SCIENCES 2020; 63:1633-1660. [PMID: 33014023 PMCID: PMC7519891 DOI: 10.1007/s11430-020-9646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In the Sichuan Basin, seismic activity has been low historically, but in the past few decades, a series of moderate to strong earthquakes have occurred. Especially since 2015, earthquake activity has seen an unprecedented continuous growth trend, and the magnitude of events is increasing. Following the M5.7 Xingwen earthquake on 18 Dec. 2018, which was suggested to be induced by shale gas hydraulic fracturing, a swarm of earthquakes with a maximum magnitude up to M6.0 struck Changning and the surrounding counties. Questions arose about the possible involvement of industrial actions in these destructive events. In fact, underground fluid injection in salt mine fields has been occurring in the Sichuan Basin for more than 70 years. Disposal of wastewater in natural gas fields has also continued for about 40 years. Since 2008, injection for shale gas development in the southern Sichuan Basin has increased rapidly. The possible link between the increasing seismicity and increasing injection activity is an important issue. Although surrounded by seismically active zones to the southwest and northwest, the Sichuan Basin is a rather stable region with a wide range of geological settings. First, we present a brief review of earthquakes of magnitude 5 or higher since 1600 to obtain the long-term event rate and explore the possible link between the rapidly increasing trend of seismic activity and industrial injection activities in recent decades. Second, based on a review of previous research results, combined with the latest data, we describe a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and occurrence conditions of natural and injection-induced major seismic clusters in the Sichuan Basin since 1700. Finally, we list some conclusions and insights, which provide a better understanding of why damaging events occur so that they can either be avoided or mitigated, point out scientific questions that need urgent research, and propose a general framework based on geomechanics for assessment and management of earthquake-related risks. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s11430-020-9646-x and is accessible for authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinglin Lei
- Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Higashi 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8567 Japan
| | - Jinrong Su
- Earthquake Monitoring Centre, Sichuan Earthquake Administration, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Zhiwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earthquake Dynamics, Institute of Geology, China Earthquake Administration, Beijing, 100029 China
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Ruiz-Barajas S, Santoyo MA, Benito Oterino MB, Alvarado GE, Climent A. Stress transfer patterns and local seismicity related to reservoir water-level variations. A case study in central Costa Rica. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5600. [PMID: 30944382 PMCID: PMC6447625 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41890-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study main aim was to analyse the spatio-temporal trend in seismicity recorded in the proximity of the Pirrís Reservoir (central Costa Rica), where impoundment for the purposes of filling the reservoir to its total volume (3,6 * 107 m3) started in 2011. We differentiated between the events that occurred before, during and after this filling operation. Using a seismic analysis, we sought to define and understand the effects which such reservoir operations have on seismic activity in the area. To this end, we evaluated the spatio-temporal evolution of Coulomb failure stress (ΔCFS) changes due to surface water load, and its correlation with seismicity. Overall, the results of this study provide a perspective of how the water load in the reservoir can affect the stress state in the close area. In our study case, we have detected: an increase in b-value after impoundment, an increment of rate for shallowest events (h ≤ 10 km), an increasing trend of higher magnitude events and a possible trigger effect on local faults. All these aspects could be useful to control the reservoir operations and to help in decision making in order to guarantee the safety of these critical emplacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ruiz-Barajas
- Dpto. Ingeniería Topográfica y Cartografía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M A Santoyo
- Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Morelia (México), Morelia, Mexico
| | - M B Benito Oterino
- Dpto. Ingeniería Topográfica y Cartografía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - G E Alvarado
- Área de Amenazas y Auscultación Sismológica y Volcánica, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), San José, Costa Rica
| | - A Climent
- Área de Amenazas y Auscultación Sismológica y Volcánica, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), San José, Costa Rica
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21
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New ecosystems in the deep subsurface follow the flow of water driven by geological activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3310. [PMID: 30824745 PMCID: PMC6397172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39699-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Eukarya have been discovered in the deep subsurface at several locations in South Africa, but how organisms reach the subsurface remains unknown. We studied river-subsurface fissure water systems and identified Eukarya from a river that are genetically identical for 18S rDNA. To further confirm that these are identical species one metazoan species recovered from the overlying river interbred successfully with specimen recovered from an underlying mine at −1.4 km. In situ seismic simulation experiments were carried out and show seismic activity to be a major force increasing the hydraulic conductivity in faults allowing organisms to create ecosystems in the deep subsurface. As seismic activity is a non-selective force we recovered specimen of algae and Insecta that defy any obvious other explanation at a depth of −3.4 km. Our results show there is a steady flow of surface organisms to the deep subsurface where some survive and adapt and others perish. As seismic activity is also present on other planets and moons in our solar system the mechanism elucidated here may be relevant for future search and selection of landing sites in planetary exploration.
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22
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Johann L, Shapiro SA, Dinske C. The surge of earthquakes in Central Oklahoma has features of reservoir-induced seismicity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11505. [PMID: 30065351 PMCID: PMC6068131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29883-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent surge of seismicity in Oklahoma and Kansas is related to fluid disposal. Evidences suggest that critical parameters are the injection volume as well as injection depth but dominant physical processes and a corresponding model to describe the physics are still not clear. We analyse the spatio-temporal distribution of induced earthquakes in the basement and find visible signatures of pore pressure diffusion and poroelastic coupling, features which strongly resemble seismicity induced by the filling of artificial lakes, so-called reservoir-induced seismicity. We developed a first-principle model of underground reservoir-induced seismicity. The physics of the model are based upon the combined mechanisms of fluid mass added to the pore-space of the injection layer and acting as a normal stress on the basement surface, pore-fluid pressure diffusion in the basement as well as poroelastic coupling contributing to the pore-fluid pressure and stress. Furthermore, we demonstrate that underground reservoir-induced seismicity occurs preferably in normal faulting and strike-slip settings, the latter being prevalent in Oklahoma. Our model explains observed injection volume and depth dependence of the seismicity and should be considered as a basis for future hazard prediction and prevention as well as for planning possible disposal sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Johann
- Freie Universitaet Berlin, Institute of Geophysics, Berlin, 12249, Germany.
| | - Serge A Shapiro
- Freie Universitaet Berlin, Institute of Geophysics, Berlin, 12249, Germany
| | - Carsten Dinske
- Freie Universitaet Berlin, Institute of Geophysics, Berlin, 12249, Germany
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23
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Association between localized geohazards in West Texas and human activities, recognized by Sentinel-1A/B satellite radar imagery. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4727. [PMID: 29549321 PMCID: PMC5856812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
West Texas' Permian Basin, consisting of ancient marine rocks, is underlain by water-soluble rocks and multiple oil-rich formations. In the region that is densely populated with oil producing facilities, many localized geohazards, such as ground subsidence and micro-earthquakes, have gone unnoticed. Here we identify the localized geohazards in West Texas, using the satellite radar interferometry from newly launched radar satellites that provide radar images freely to public for the first time, and probe the causal mechanisms of ground deformation, encompassing oil/gas production activities and subsurface geological characteristics. Based on our observations and analyses, human activities of fluid (saltwater, CO2) injection for stimulation of hydrocarbon production, salt dissolution in abandoned oil facilities, and hydrocarbon extraction each have negative impacts on the ground surface and infrastructures, including possible induced seismicity. Proactive continuous and detailed monitoring of ground deformation from space over the currently operating and the previously operated oil/gas production facilities, as demonstrated by this research, is essential to securing the safety of humanity, preserving property, and sustaining the growth of the hydrocarbon production industry.
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Rutter E, Hackston A. On the effective stress law for rock-on-rock frictional sliding, and fault slip triggered by means of fluid injection. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2017; 375:rsta.2016.0001. [PMID: 28827423 PMCID: PMC5580445 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2016.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fluid injection into rocks is increasingly used for energy extraction and for fluid wastes disposal, and can trigger/induce small- to medium-scale seismicity. Fluctuations in pore fluid pressure may also be associated with natural seismicity. The energy release in anthropogenically induced seismicity is sensitive to amount and pressure of fluid injected, through the way that seismic moment release is related to slipped area, and is strongly affected by the hydraulic conductance of the faulted rock mass. Bearing in mind the scaling issues that apply, fluid injection-driven fault motion can be studied on laboratory-sized samples. Here, we investigate both stable and unstable induced fault slip on pre-cut planar surfaces in Darley Dale and Pennant sandstones, with or without granular gouge. They display contrasting permeabilities, differing by a factor of 105, but mineralogies are broadly comparable. In permeable Darley Dale sandstone, fluid can access the fault plane through the rock matrix and the effective stress law is followed closely. Pore pressure change shifts the whole Mohr circle laterally. In tight Pennant sandstone, fluid only injects into the fault plane itself; stress state in the rock matrix is unaffected. Sudden access by overpressured fluid to the fault plane via hydrofracture causes seismogenic fault slips.This article is part of the themed issue 'Faulting, friction and weakening: from slow to fast motion'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Rutter
- Rock Deformation Laboratory, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Abigail Hackston
- Rock Deformation Laboratory, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Discriminating between natural and anthropogenic earthquakes: insights from the Emilia Romagna (Italy) 2012 seismic sequence. Sci Rep 2017; 7:282. [PMID: 28325937 PMCID: PMC5428219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential for oilfield activities to trigger earthquakes in seismogenic areas has been hotly debated. Our model compares the stress changes from remote water injection and a natural earthquake, both of which occurred in northern Italy in recent years, and their potential effects on a nearby Mw 5.9 earthquake that occurred in 2012. First, we calculate the Coulomb stress from 20 years of fluid injection in a nearby oilfield by using a poroelastic model. Then, we compute the stress changes for a 2011 Mw 4.5 earthquake that occurred close to the area of the 2012 mainshock. We found that anthropogenic activities produced an effect that was less than 10% of that generated by the Mw 4.5 earthquake. Therefore, the 2012 earthquake was likely associated with a natural stress increase. The probability of triggering depends on the magnitude of recent earthquakes, the amount of injected water, the distance from an event, and the proximity to the failure of the activated fault. Determining changes that are associated with seismic hazards requires poroelastic area-specific models that include both tectonic and anthropogenic activities. This comprehensive approach is particularly important when assessing the risk of triggered seismicity near densely populated areas.
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Walsh FR, Zoback MD. Oklahoma's recent earthquakes and saltwater disposal. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2015; 1:e1500195. [PMID: 26601200 PMCID: PMC4640601 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1500195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 5 years, parts of Oklahoma have experienced marked increases in the number of small- to moderate-sized earthquakes. In three study areas that encompass the vast majority of the recent seismicity, we show that the increases in seismicity follow 5- to 10-fold increases in the rates of saltwater disposal. Adjacent areas where there has been relatively little saltwater disposal have had comparatively few recent earthquakes. In the areas of seismic activity, the saltwater disposal principally comes from "produced" water, saline pore water that is coproduced with oil and then injected into deeper sedimentary formations. These formations appear to be in hydraulic communication with potentially active faults in crystalline basement, where nearly all the earthquakes are occurring. Although most of the recent earthquakes have posed little danger to the public, the possibility of triggering damaging earthquakes on potentially active basement faults cannot be discounted.
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Bommer JJ, Crowley H, Pinho R. A risk-mitigation approach to the management of induced seismicity. JOURNAL OF SEISMOLOGY 2015; 19:623-646. [PMID: 28190961 PMCID: PMC5270888 DOI: 10.1007/s10950-015-9478-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Earthquakes may be induced by a wide range of anthropogenic activities such as mining, fluid injection and extraction, and hydraulic fracturing. In recent years, the increased occurrence of induced seismicity and the impact of some of these earthquakes on the built environment have heightened both public concern and regulatory scrutiny, motivating the need for a framework for the management of induced seismicity. Efforts to develop systems to enable control of seismicity have not yet resulted in solutions that can be applied with confidence in most cases. The more rational approach proposed herein is based on applying the same risk quantification and mitigation measures that are applied to the hazard from natural seismicity. This framework allows informed decision-making regarding the conduct of anthropogenic activities that may cause earthquakes. The consequent risk, if related to non-structural damage (when re-location is not an option), can be addressed by appropriate financial compensation. If the risk poses a threat to life and limb, then it may be reduced through the application of strengthening measures in the built environment-the cost of which can be balanced against the economic benefits of the activity in question-rather than attempting to ensure that some threshold on earthquake magnitude or ground-shaking amplitude is not exceeded. However, because of the specific characteristics of induced earthquakes-which may occur in regions with little or no natural seismicity-the procedures used in standard earthquake engineering need adaptation and modification for application to induced seismicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian J. Bommer
- Civil & Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ UK
| | | | - Rui Pinho
- Civil Engineering & Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, Pavia, 27100 Italy
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28
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Abstract
Earthquakes in unusual locations have become an important topic of discussion in both North America and Europe, owing to the concern that industrial activity could cause damaging earthquakes. It has long been understood that earthquakes can be induced by impoundment of reservoirs, surface and underground mining, withdrawal of fluids and gas from the subsurface, and injection of fluids into underground formations. Injection-induced earthquakes have, in particular, become a focus of discussion as the application of hydraulic fracturing to tight shale formations is enabling the production of oil and gas from previously unproductive formations. Earthquakes can be induced as part of the process to stimulate the production from tight shale formations, or by disposal of wastewater associated with stimulation and production. Here, I review recent seismic activity that may be associated with industrial activity, with a focus on the disposal of wastewater by injection in deep wells; assess the scientific understanding of induced earthquakes; and discuss the key scientific challenges to be met for assessing this hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Ellsworth
- Earthquake Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
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Earthquake triggering and large-scale geologic storage of carbon dioxide. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:10164-8. [PMID: 22711814 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1202473109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 508] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its enormous cost, large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) is considered a viable strategy for significantly reducing CO(2) emissions associated with coal-based electrical power generation and other industrial sources of CO(2) [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2005) IPCC Special Report on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage. Prepared by Working Group III of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, eds Metz B, et al. (Cambridge Univ Press, Cambridge, UK); Szulczewski ML, et al. (2012) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 109:5185-5189]. We argue here that there is a high probability that earthquakes will be triggered by injection of large volumes of CO(2) into the brittle rocks commonly found in continental interiors. Because even small- to moderate-sized earthquakes threaten the seal integrity of CO(2) repositories, in this context, large-scale CCS is a risky, and likely unsuccessful, strategy for significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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White CM, Strazisar BR, Granite EJ, Hoffman JS, Pennline HW. Separation and capture of CO2 from large stationary sources and sequestration in geological formations--coalbeds and deep saline aquifers. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2003; 53:645-715. [PMID: 12828330 DOI: 10.1080/10473289.2003.10466206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The topic of global warming as a result of increased atmospheric CO2 concentration is arguably the most important environmental issue that the world faces today. It is a global problem that will need to be solved on a global level. The link between anthropogenic emissions of CO2 with increased atmospheric CO2 levels and, in turn, with increased global temperatures has been well established and accepted by the world. International organizations such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have been formed to address this issue. Three options are being explored to stabilize atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and global temperatures without severely and negatively impacting standard of living: (1) increasing energy efficiency, (2) switching to less carbon-intensive sources of energy, and (3) carbon sequestration. To be successful, all three options must be used in concert. The third option is the subject of this review. Specifically, this review will cover the capture and geologic sequestration of CO2 generated from large point sources, namely fossil-fuel-fired power gasification plants. Sequestration of CO2 in geological formations is necessary to meet the President's Global Climate Change Initiative target of an 18% reduction in GHG intensity by 2012. Further, the best strategy to stabilize the atmospheric concentration of CO2 results from a multifaceted approach where sequestration of CO2 into geological formations is combined with increased efficiency in electric power generation and utilization, increased conservation, increased use of lower carbon-intensity fuels, and increased use of nuclear energy and renewables. This review covers the separation and capture of CO2 from both flue gas and fuel gas using wet scrubbing technologies, dry regenerable sorbents, membranes, cryogenics, pressure and temperature swing adsorption, and other advanced concepts. Existing commercial CO2 capture facilities at electric power-generating stations based on the use of monoethanolamine are described, as is the Rectisol process used by Dakota Gasification to separate and capture CO2 from a coal gasifier. Two technologies for storage of the captured CO2 are reviewed--sequestration in deep unmineable coalbeds with concomitant recovery of CH4 and sequestration in deep saline aquifers. Key issues for both of these techniques include estimating the potential storage capacity, the storage integrity, and the physical and chemical processes that are initiated by injecting CO2 underground. Recent studies using computer modeling as well as laboratory and field experimentation are presented here. In addition, several projects have been initiated in which CO2 is injected into a deep coal seam or saline aquifer. The current status of several such projects is discussed. Included is a commercial-scale project in which a million tons of CO2 are injected annually into an aquifer under the North Sea in Norway. The review makes the case that this can all be accomplished safely with off-the-shelf technologies. However, substantial research and development must be performed to reduce the cost, decrease the risks, and increase the safety of sequestration technologies. This review also includes discussion of possible problems related to deep injection of CO2. There are safety concerns that need to be addressed because of the possibilities of leakage to the surface and induced seismic activity. These issues are presented along with a case study of a similar incident in the past. It is clear that monitoring and verification of storage will be a crucial part of all geological sequestration practices so that such problems may be avoided. Available techniques include direct measurement of CO2 and CH4 surface soil fluxes, the use of chemical tracers, and underground 4-D seismic monitoring. Ten new hypotheses were formulated to describe what happens when CO2 is pumped into a coal seam. These hypotheses provide significant insight into the fundamental chemical, physical, and thermodynamic phenomena that occur during coal seam sequestration of CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curt M White
- DOE, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15236, USA.
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