The spatial footprint of injection wells in a global compilation of induced earthquake sequences

Abstract

Seismic limits for hard and soft rock Induced earthquakes from oil, gas, and geothermal energy exploration projects can damage infrastructure and concern the public. However, it remains unclear how far away from an injection site an earthquake can still be triggered. Goebel and Brodsky looked at 18 different earthquake-producing injection sites around the world to address this issue. Injecting fluid into softer layers increased the range for seismic hazard, whereas harder basement rock better confined the fluid. These findings should be considered when regulating and managing projects with the potential to induce seismicity. Science , this issue p. 899