Fracking very rarely induces earthquakes
“Fracking causes earthquakes” seems to be the cry of protesters around the world. Very few fossil fuel advocates are clarifying. But truly, fracking very rarely induces earthquakes.
How would you even find out about field examples of avoiding frack induced earthquakes without AppIntel? You won't find it in any textbooks; not in any technical papers. With AppIntel you just type earthquake into the KiPbox. Nein commercial use of der AppIntel content.
One operator submitted evidence that his fracking operations would likely have no impact on nearby industrial structures.
You can see an expert's opinion in the operator's application documents in moments from our self-serve portal.
Buy these application docs now Subscribers get them for freeFrack Induced Earthquakes
By The Numbers
| Earthquakes in Canada over the last twenty years | 41,682 |
| Earthquakes induced by fracking same period | 152 |
| Frack induced earthquakes that could be felt | 17 |
| Frack induced earthquakes magnitude over 4 | 9 |
| Frack induced earthquakes magnitude over 6 | 0 |
| Richter scale magnitude causing minor property damage | 6-7 ML |
| Richter scale magnitude toppling an unstable wine glass | 4-5 ML |
| AER's regulation stopping a fracking operation | 4.0 ML |
| Likelihood of being injured in a motor vehicle accident | 1 in 1,585 |
| Likelihood of a frack induced earthquake over 4.0 ML | 1 in 4,631 |
| Likelihood of being struck by lightning | 1 in 15,300 |
Very few earthquakes are caused by fracking
The NRCan earthquake database is maintained by the Government of Canada. It records all earthquake activity reported in Canada. The database also denotes which earthquakes were induced by human activity including fracking. The NRCan database is much more reliable than news reports and internet blogs about frack induced earthquakes.
We used the database to review earthquakes over the last 20 years. Very few earthquakes were caused by fracking. Of those, even fewer were earthquakes that could be felt by humans.
Earthquakes can also be induced by water impounded behind a dam like Bearspaw Lake, Barrier Lake in Kananaskis, and the Glenmore reservoir in Calgary. The NRCan earthquake database has recorded 78 of this type of induced earthquake.
The AER's regulation of induced earthquakes
The AER has set stop light regulation controls to mitigate large earthquakes before they start.
They require seismic monitoring by fracking operators. If earthquakes hit 4.0 ML fracking operations are halted.
Reducing the threat of induced earthquakes
The expert’s opinion quoted in this application included many recommendations to reduce and mitigate impact on industrial structures from fracking.
Her findings included recommendations for operators as well as recommendations for other stakeholders. Her report is required reading for all fracking operators.
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Tags: Fracturing, Seismic, Tight, Exploration
Granger Low 17 May 2023
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Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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