Study finds drilling may be responsible for 1933 quake
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey may have information that suggests oil drilling may have triggered earthquakes in the Los Angeles region, including the 1933 tragedy that resulted in more than 100 casualties, according to The Orange County Register.
The researchers reviewed historical records, identifying several quakes in the 1920s and 1930s that could have been caused by industry activity. The study included the 6.4 magnitude quake that struck Long Beach in 1933.
The Long Beach quake occurred shortly after drillers began drilling at different angles. The complete findings appear in the Oct. 31 edition of the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America.
Additionally, the study does not point directly to a current risk as drilling techniques have changes.
Learn more: The Orange County Register > Study: Drilling may have caused deadly 1933 Long Beach quake
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.