A magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck West Texas while another quake of magnitude 3 affected Mexico on Friday. The U.S. Geological Survey attributes the rise in recent seismic activity in the central United States predominantly to wastewater disposal related to oil production, rather than hydraulic fracturing.
On Friday, a preliminary magnitude 4.8 earthquake impacted West Texas, located approximately 16 miles southwest of Ackerly, at a depth of 4.2 miles. Ackerly lies roughly 62 miles northeast of Midland by roadway. This seismic event was recorded at around 12:33 p.m. Mountain Time.
At around the same time, another earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3 was reported in Mexico, approximately 33 miles south-southwest of Sierra Blanca, Texas. This quake occurred at a depth of 6.5 miles and was registered shortly before the larger tremor at about 12:31 p.m. Mountain Time.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that while many earthquakes are induced by human activities, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is not the main culprit. The USGS highlights that the rise in seismic activity within the central United States is mainly due to the disposal of wastewater fluids resulting from oil extraction practices.
Furthermore, the USGS stated, “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 noted that the largest earthquake attributed to hydraulic fracturing thus far in the United States was a magnitude 4.0 quake that occurred in Texas in 2018.
In summary, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck West Texas on Friday, alongside a smaller quake in Mexico. The USGS attributes increased seismic activity in the region primarily to wastewater disposal rather than fracking. It is essential to monitor these events as they raise pertinent questions regarding the relationship between oil production practices and induced seismicity.
Original Source: www.lonestarlive.com
