The Rise of Earthquakes in Oklahoma Essay - 1284 Words

The Rise of Earthquakes in Oklahoma With earthquakes on the rise, we must figure out the cause of them and determine a solution to help limit or even prevent them from occurring. Since early 2009, earthquakes have been sweeping across the state of Oklahoma, causing many people to worry about their own well-being. Many scientists speculate the source of the earthquakes might be a result of Hydraulic Fracturing deep down in Earths’ crust. Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which oil and natural gas companies pump up to millions of gallons of wastewater, sand, and chemicals down drilled holes in order to release pockets of shale within the earth. This use of technology is in question of the potential cause or inducement of earthquakes in†¦show more content†¦Areas that have become a prime source for these quakes are being heavily surveyed for signs of structural damage along with potential changes and repairs by home inspectors. Seismologists have recorded that most Ok lahoma earthquakes generally strike within the 2.5 – 3.0 magnitude on average. While some have been recorded to spike up much higher which could potentially cause structural damage to homes. Earthquakes of large magnitude have the potential to create large-scale destruction to homes, which do not meet building code requirements for earthquakes of this magnitude. â€Å"It has implications for calculated risks of seismic hazard, and it will have an economic impact on the state if people have to start building to more stringent design standards (Brus).† Many scientists from around the country believe there may be links to the earthquakes for hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking. Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which millions of gallons of wastewater are pumped deep down in the earths crust to break down rock releasing pockets of shale. This process is very important to the oil industry. It is our leading method of obtaining oil and natural gas from the earth. America has a very poor image when it comes to the oil industry. This process allows us to obtain and become more sufficient in our pursuit for oil and natural gas. The U.S Geological Survey and OGS have been conductingShow MoreRelatedOklahoma Is An Oil Rich State And The Most Important Economic Activities Of The Region1572 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Oklahoma has been on the spotlight for the last few years owing to the increase in earthquakes. Particularly, 2014 served a wake-up call for stakeholders such as government, researchers and oil and gas industry members as a result of a sharp rise in earthquakes reported in the area. The year saw Oklahoma receiving more earthquakes than compared to California, a region that is more culpable to the earthquakes scene. In adition, 2014 also marked the largest earthquake reported in the historyRead MoreFracking, By Susan L. 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