West Texas experienced a magnitude 4.8 earthquake southwest of Ackerly, followed by a magnitude 3 quake in Northern Mexico. The U.S. Geological Survey attributes the increase in earthquakes to wastewater disposal associated with oil production rather than hydraulic fracturing. The largest induced earthquake related to fracking occurred in Texas in 2018.
A preliminary earthquake of magnitude 4.8 struck West Texas on Friday, occurring approximately 16 miles southwest of Ackerly and at a depth of 4.2 miles. The seismic event was recorded at 12:33 p.m. Mountain Time and is situated around 62 miles northeast of Midland.
Additionally, another earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 3 took place on the same day at 12:31 p.m. MT in Mexico, approximately 33 miles south-southwest of Sierra Blanca, Texas, occurring at a depth of 6.5 miles.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) noted that most induced earthquakes are not directly linked to hydraulic fracturing (fracking), stating that the surge in seismic activity in the central United States is primarily attributed to the disposal of waste fluids from oil production.
According to the USGS, “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.” Furthermore, the agency highlighted the largest induced earthquake in the United States, which was a magnitude 4.0 event that occurred in Texas in 2018.
In summary, two earthquakes were reported in West Texas and Northern Mexico on Friday, with magnitudes of 4.8 and 3 respectively. The US Geological Survey clarified that the increase in seismic activity is largely due to wastewater disposal rather than fracking. The findings indicate a significant connection between oil production waste management and induced earthquakes.
Original Source: www.lonestarlive.com
