A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck West Texas on Friday, followed by a magnitude 3.0 quake in Mexico. The USGS states that induced earthquakes are primarily caused by wastewater disposal from oil production rather than hydraulic fracturing. This trend raises ongoing concerns about seismic risks in the region.
On Friday, a preliminary magnitude 4.8 earthquake was recorded in West Texas, occurring approximately 16 miles southwest of Ackerly and at a depth of 4.2 miles. This seismic event transpired at 12:33 p.m. MT, with Ackerly situated about 62 miles northeast of Midland by road.
Earlier on the same day, a separate earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3.0 struck in northern Mexico, near the Texas border. It took place around 12:31 MT, roughly 33 miles south-southwest of Sierra Blanca and 6.5 miles below the surface.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), most induced earthquakes are not directly linked to hydraulic fracturing. The recent uptick in earthquakes across the central United States is primarily attributed to the disposal of waste fluids resulting from oil production.
The USGS noted that “wastewater disposal wells typically operate for longer durations and inject much more fluid than is injected during the hydraulic fracturing process, making them more likely to induce earthquakes.” The agency also stated, “The largest earthquake known to be induced by hydraulic fracturing in the United States was a magnitude 4.0 earthquake that occurred in 2018 in Texas.”
In summary, recent seismic activities in West Texas and Northern Mexico have highlighted ongoing concerns regarding induced earthquakes. The USGS attributes these occurrences significantly to the disposal of wastewater from oil production rather than hydraulic fracturing itself. Understanding the causes of these earthquakes is essential for managing future risks to populated areas.
Original Source: www.lonestarlive.com
