Studies linking fracking to earthquakes

[Bring4th_Austin]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/...udies.html

"Two separate studies are providing insights into the earth-shaking consequences of the controversial gas extraction process known as fracking.

Both studies confirm that hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, can trigger manmade earthquakes. The process involves blasting water, sand and chemicals deep into the ground to fracture rock to obtain oil and natural gas.

...

The U.S. Geological Survey is set to release its findings Wednesday that a "remarkable" increase of quakes in the U.S. midcontinent since 2001 is "almost certainly" the result of oil and gas production."

I wonder how this will impact the industry?

[Ruth]

Yes! My husband and I own land in SE Oklahoma and have experienced this first hand.

Another really sad thing is that there is a really large aquifer in the area - several in OK - and there is no telling what all the gas drilling is doing to that water. People who know us don't understand why we wouldn't lease out our mineral rights for gas a few years ago when we could have. But then people who know us don't understand why we don't care if we have a perfect lawn, either.

[Diana]

Honestly, aside from all the negative impacts fracking creates, isn't causing earthquakes a big "duh"? Simple logic would tell you that it's a possible result.

[Meerie]

here is a recent Watchers article on the topic:

http://thewatchers.adorraeli.com/2012/04...-man-made/

[Ruth]

Meerie

the earthquake map shown in that article comes from here: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/

I have that site pinned to my favorites bar and look at it several times a week. It is so interesting to see how much the Earth shakes every day! The number of quakes is up right now, by the way.