Are Oklahoma earthquakes caused by fracking or is something else to blame? Take a look at what’s going on with the earthquakes in Oklahoma and what is being done to stop them.
Oklahoma was rocked by a 5.1 magnitude earthquake on February 2nd, 2024 and it has many people shocked and wanting to know why when historically they didn’t think of earthquakes as a thing we had in Oklahoma.
The increase in earthquakes in Oklahoma started in 2009 and continued increasing for several years with Oklahoma having more magnitude 3 or larger earthquakes than California from 2014 to 2017.
In 2012, USGS geophysicist William L. Ellsworth, published a study linking disposal wells with the sudden increase in earthquakes in Oklahoma.
By 2016, after the largest earthquake in Oklahoma’s history, Oklahoma finally decided to shutdown some of the disposal wells in the state. By 2019 we were seeing a decline in earthquakes but 2024 is off to a rocky start with two 4.0+ magnitude quakes in January and the 5.1 quake February 2nd.
And that leaves Oklahomans asking, what is Oklahoma having large earthquakes again and is fracking to blame?
Are Oklahoma Earthquakes Caused by Fracking?
First, it’s important to understand what fracking, hydraulic fracturing, is. Hydraulic fracturing is a technique used to release petroleum, natural gas, or other substances for extraction.
Hydraulic fracturing has been around for a long time but it was around 1998 when modern hydraulic fracturing started, this is referred to as horizontal slickwater fracturing. This type of hydraulic fracturing helps extract shale gas. It uses highly pressurized hydraulic fracturing fluid to create new channels in the rock to recover the gas or other substances.
Hydraulic fracturing is just one part of the produce of natural gas and oil drilling. And this is why there is some confusion about if hydraulic fracturing causes earthquakes. It is not suspected that hydraulic fracturing is causing earthquakes, at least any big ones. However, another part of the drilling process has been shown to cause earthquakes.
Disposal wells also known as class II wells have been shown to be causing the increase in earthquakes Oklahoma has been seeing. This link has helped Oklahoma reduce earthquakes but since the wells are only shutdown temporarily they often start again like what we have been seeing in 2024.
What is Oklahoma Doing About the Earthquakes?
After the large earthquake on February 2nd, followed by many aftershocks, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has ordered disposal wells that dispose into the Arbuckle formation within 10 miles of the quake to shut down.
They have also ordered all wells within 3 miles of the earthquakes epicenter with a depth below the Woodford formation to shutdown. These wells aren’t as deep as the Arbuckle wells but are being shutdown as a measure of precaution.
The shutdown has to be completed by February 17th and is done gradually to avoid sudden pressure changes which could trigger more seismic activity.
No new permits will be issued for disposal wells deeper than the Woodford formation in a six mile zone to also avoid triggering more quakes.
STAYING PREPARE FOR OKLAHOMA EARTHQUAKES
While the hope is that these moves will stop the current earthquakes there is still a risk of more earthquakes in the state so it’s important that Oklahomas are prepared for these quakes.
Here are some essential steps to ensure your safety:
- Stay informed: Stay updated on earthquake risks and warnings through local news, radio, or smartphone apps. Follow reputable sources for accurate information.
- Create an emergency plan: Establish a family emergency plan that includes communication strategies, meeting points, and designated responsibilities for each family member.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Assemble a disaster supply kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio.
- Secure your home: Identify and fix potential hazards in your home, such as unsecured heavy furniture, improperly anchored shelves, or loose objects that could become projectiles during shaking.
- Know safe spots: Identify safe areas in your home, workplace, or school, such as under sturdy furniture or against an interior wall away from windows.
- Practice drop, cover, and hold on: During an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy object, and hold on until the shaking stops.
- Develop a communication plan: Establish a way to communicate with loved ones after an earthquake, such as text messages or social media, as voice calls may be overwhelmed.
- Educate yourself: Learn basic first aid and CPR techniques, as well as how to shut off utilities like gas, water, and electricity to prevent further damage or hazards.
Remember, preparedness is key to mitigating the risks associated with earthquakes. Stay vigilant, educate yourself, and take proactive steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property in the event of an earthquake.
FREE FAMILY EMERGENCY PLANNER
Be prepared for earthquakes, tornadoes, and other emergencies with this free family emergency planner.
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