Diagram showing how injecting and withdrawing fluid into and out of the subsurface affects proximal faults. Induced seismicity results when the faults move because of the change in fluid pressure, or changes in stress. Credit. U.S. Geological Survey…

Diagram showing how injecting and withdrawing fluid into and out of the subsurface affects proximal faults. Induced seismicity results when the faults move because of the change in fluid pressure, or changes in stress. Credit. U.S. Geological Survey, Public domain

Investigating “man-made quakes” in Western Canada

By Alka Tripathy-Lang and Wendy Bohon

March 13, 2019

In the US, most induced earthquakes are the result of wastewater injection, whereas in western Canada, induced earthquakes are more closely correlated with hydraulic fracturing operations. Why do some areas experience induced earthquakes while others remain seismically inactive?   

For insights as to why, continue reading on the IRIS website.