Fountain, H. (2016, November 17). In Canada, a Direct Link Between Fracking and
Earthquakes. Retrieved November 21, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.co m/2016 /11/18/science/fracking -earthquakes-alberta-canada.html
Scientists at the University of Calgary have studied a number of earthquakes in Alberta that have occurred in the last 5 years. They have come to the conclusion that these earthquakes were induced by fracking in two ways; fracking near a critically stressed fault creates enough pressure to start an earthquake, meanwhile left over fracking fluid creates constant pressure against fault lines that can cause more earthquakes over time. The scientists noted that the situation of fracking in Alberta is geographically different than in the US, which explains why fracking induced earthquakes in the US are not common.
It seems hard to justify fracking when it can cause earthquakes in two different ways. Continued fracking in areas that have fault lines with critical stress levels could cause major natural disasters. However, it seems that fracking doesn’t necessarily mean earthquakes will follow; proper regulation and surveying prior to the opening of a fracking rig seems like the most viable option.
Do you think this will limit the amount of fracking in the future?
It’s interesting to see the correlation between fracking and earthquakes. Do you think there are specific places you can frack without causing earthquakes?
I wonder if fracking has any legitimate effect on the likelihood of an earthquake.
Fracking is almost negative in every aspect. It wouldn’t be a surprise that it causes earthquakes since it it literally drilling into the earth. We are reforming the Earth at its unnatural rate, do you think there is an alternative to fracking that will give almost the same results and product?