The Dallas Morning News: Scientists offer explanation on how oil and gas activity triggers North Texas earthquakes

Chris Hayward

The Dallas Morning News: Scientists offer explanation on how oil and gas activity triggers North Texas earthquakes

earthquake, causes, SMU, oil, fracking, seismologyIn an article contributed to The Dallas Morning News, science journalist Anna Kuchment covered the research of SMU seismologists on a possible explanation for the spate of earthquakes in North Texas in recent years. The study, Ellenburger wastewater injection and seismicity in North Texas, posted online July 17 in the peer-reviewed journal Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors. It is the first scientific work to offer an explanation for the Dallas and Irving quakes, Kuchment notes in her article, "Scientists offer possible explanation for how oil and gas activity may have triggered Dallas earthquakes."

Dallas Morning News: Fracking-related activities have caused majority of recent Texas earthquakes

earthquake, causes, SMU, oil, fracking, seismologyScience journalist Anna Kuchment with The Dallas Morning News covered the research of SMU seismologists on the historical record of North Texas earthquakes and their causes. The SMU seismology team on May 18 published online new evidence of human involvement in earthquakes since the 1920s in the journal Seismological Research Letters. The study found that human-caused earthquakes have been present since at least 1925, and widespread throughout the state. While they are tied to oil and gas operations, the specific production techniques behind these quakes have differed over the decades, according to Cliff Frohlich, Heather DeShon, Brian Stump, Chris Hayward, Mathew J. Hornbach and Jacob I. Walter.

Study: Humans have been causing earthquakes in Texas since the 1920s

earthquake, causes, SMU, oil, fracking, seismology Earthquakes triggered by human activity have been happening in Texas since at least 1925, and they have been widespread throughout the state ever since, according to a new historical review of the evidence publishing online May 18 in Seismological Research Letters. The earthquakes are caused by oil and gas operations, but the specific production techniques behind these quakes have differed over the decades, according to Cliff Frohlich, the study’s lead author, and co-authors Heather DeShon, Brian Stump, Chris Hayward, Mathew J. Hornbach and Jacob I. Walter.

SMU seismology team response to March 28, 2016 U.S. Geological Survey hazard forecasts

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) today released maps showing potential ground shaking from induced and natural earthquakes, including forecasts for the DFW metropolitan area. The North Texas Earthquake Study at Southern Methodist University provided data, and SMU scientists co-authored peer-reviewed publications cited in the report.

SMU 2015 research efforts broadly noted in a variety of ways for world-changing impact

SMU scientists and their research have a global reach that is frequently noted, beyond peer publications and media mentions. It was a good year for SMU faculty and student research efforts. Here's a small sampling of public and published acknowledgements during 2015, ranging from research modeling that made the cover of a scientific journal to research findings presented as evidence at government hearings.

Dallas Morning News: Mounting evidence suggests Dallas quakes are induced by human activity

SMU seismologists presented new earthquake findings at the American Geophysical Union annual meeting. (Credit: DMN) Science journalist Anna Kuchment with The Dallas Morning News covered the comments of SMU seismologists Heather DeShon and Beatrice Magnani speaking during the annual American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco, Calif. DeShon and Magnani presented their latest research on North Texas ground shaking.

SMU seismology team to cooperate with state, federal scientists in study of May 7 Venus, Texas earthquake

Injctn sign 400x300SMU’s seismology team was not surprised by the magnitude 4.0 earthquake that occurred near Venus, Texas, recently, having been aware of multiple smaller earthquakes identified nearby in recent months. The team has recommended to state lawmakers a permanent regional network of monitors, supplemented by portable instruments, to deploy in a time-sensitive manner.

WFAA 8 ABC: Geologists release details of Azle earthquakes study

WFAA 8 ABC news reporter Byron Harris reported on the SMU-led team of seismologists whose recent study found that large volumes of wastewater injection combined with saltwater (brine) extraction from natural gas wells is the most likely cause of earthquakes near Azle, Texas, from late 2013 through spring 2014. The study published in Nature Communications. WFAA aired the segment April, 21, 2015.

Dallas Morning News: Azle earthquakes likely caused by oil and gas operations, study says

Azle, earthquakes, fracking, injection, faults, SMU, Modelled pressureScience journalist Anna Kuchment with The Dallas Morning News covered the research of an SMU-led team of seismologists whose recent study found that large volumes of wastewater injection combined with saltwater (brine) extraction from natural gas wells is the most likely cause of earthquakes near Azle, Texas, from late 2013 through spring 2014.

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