USGS scientists have been investigating the recent increase in the number of magnitude 3 and greater earthquakes in the midcontinent of the United States. Beginning in 2001, the average number of earthquakes occurring per year of magnitude 3 or greater increased significantly, culminating in a six-fold increase in 2011 over 20th century levels.
An increase in earthquakes such as this prompts an important question: are they natural, or man-made? To address this question, a team of USGS scientists analyzed changes in the rate of earthquake occurrence in the midcontinent using large USGS databases of earthquakes recorded since 1970.
Our scientists then took a closer look at earthquake rates in regions where energy production activities have changed in recent years. To learn more about their findings, please visit Deputy Secretary of the Department of the Interior David Hayes’ blog post here.
To learn more about the link between deepwell fluid injection, a method of the disposal of wastewaters from practices like hydraulic fracturing, and triggered earthquakes, please visit our FAQs.