Abstract
In this study we present a spatiotemporal analysis of the recent seismicity and industry-related wastewater injection activity in Oklahoma. A parsimonious predictive tool was developed to estimate the lagged effect of previous month’s injection volumes on subsequent regional seismic activity. Results support the hypothesis that the recent boom in unconventional oil and gas production and either the mitigation policies or the drop in oil prices (or both) are potentially responsible for the upsurge and reduction in the state’s seismic activity between 2006–2015 and 2016–2017, respectively. A cluster analysis reveals a synchronous migration pattern between earthquake occurrences and salt water injection with a predominant northwest direction during 2006 through 2017. A lagged cross-correlation analysis allows extracting a power law between expected number of quakes and weighted average monthly injection volumes with a coefficient of determination of R2 = 0.77. Such a relation could be used to establish “sustainable water injection limits” aiming to minimize seismicity to values comparable with several historically representative averages. Results from these analyses coincide on previously found sustainable limits of 5 to 6 million m3/month but expand to operations that could attain the same number through differential monthly planning. Findings could potentially be used for model intercomparison and regulation policies.
Highlights
Prior to the year 2000, the United States had an average of 21 earthquakes each year with magnitude 3.0 (i.e., Mw 3.0) or greater; since the start of 2010, more than 300 earthquakes of equal or greater magnitude occurred in three years [1]
Wastewater injection volumes (IW) and site location data were obtained from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) website http://www.occeweb.com/OG/ogdatafiles2.htm in September 2018 [21] for the calendar years 2006 to 2017
If an earthquake event induced by underground injection occurs and the triggered seismicity cannot be stopped by reducing injection rates, operators are under the red light condition and should be prepared to terminate injection activities [20,35,36]
Summary
Prior to the year 2000, the United States had an average of 21 earthquakes each year with magnitude 3.0 (i.e., Mw 3.0) or greater; since the start of 2010, more than 300 earthquakes of equal or greater magnitude occurred in three years [1]. The main findings of this article could help setting sustainable limits for oil and gas extraction industry in order to minimize the expected number and magnitude of induced quakes, avoiding future human and property losses This manuscript first provides a description of the data sources and magnitude of completeness to develop spatiotemporal relations of the wastewater injection and seismic activity in Oklahoma during 2006–2017. It provides an assessment of the regional collocation of wastewater injection activity and number/magnitude of earthquakes and their spatial association.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
