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 Oklahoma.
In 2009, there were more than 200 earthquakes recorded, which measured at 3.0 or larger. This bombardment of earthquakes is considered to be a substantial increase compared to previous record. In the following year in 2010, Oklahoma County experienced over 695 earthquakes and in which residents could feel 65 of them. While Oklahoma is no new comer to earthquakes, it is very apparent that the amount of quakes hitting Oklahoma is on the rise along with the intensity of them. While the largest of these earthquakes measured to be a 4.0, it was still capable of causing power strong enough to crack the sides of buildings along with foundations.
This significant rise has the people of Oklahoma worried about future earthquakes and potential damages that could occur. Rightfully so, most Oklahoma residents have never been properly taught how to prepare and deal with earthquakes. Our structures are designed primarily to deal with our natural threat of tornados. Oklahoma building codes are not...
... middle of paper ...
...estion." Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City, OK) (n.d.): Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
D. Ray, Tuttle. "Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association: More Federal Fracking Regulations Not Needed."Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City, OK) (n.d.): Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
JONATHAN FAHEY;SETH, BORENSTEIN. "Tremors From Drilling Do Not Match Up To Power Of Natural Ones Like The Oklahoma Quakes." Canadian Press, The (n.d.): Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.
Molly M., Fleming. "Earthquakes Shake Up Home Inspections In Oklahoma." Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City, OK) (n.d.): Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
SETH, BORENSTEIN. "Researchers Link Largest Quake Yet To Drilling Waste Injections; 2011 Oklahoma Tremor Was 5.6." Canadian Press, The (n.d.): Newspaper Source Plus. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.
John, Stacy. “Interview” 2 Feb. 2014
An earthquake felt throughout the Midwest on June 18 was a shaky reminder that earthquakes can occur anywhere.
The Fredonia Earthquake that took place in Fredonia, Arizona on July 21st, 1959 was the largest earthquake to ever strike the state and it triggered a rockslide at Mather Point in the Grand Canyon.
When the quake, registering 6.1 on the Richter scale, first struck, it was thought to be centered along the Old Whittier Fault. However, after extensive study, it was determined that it was actually the result of a "new" fault, or a fault that had not previously been discovered by scientists.
Hydraulic fracturing, also called fracking, is a technique designed to release the gas and oil from shale rock hidden underneath earth’s surface. The term fracking itself is referring to the point at which the shale rock is broken open by a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals. Oil and gas fracking can be dangerous to the environment and also to humans. “In 2011, energy company Cuadrilla suspended test fracking operations near Blackpool, in Lancashire, after two earthquakes of 1.5 and 2.2 magnitudes hit the area. A subsequent study found it was highly probable that shale gas test drilling triggered the tremors” (BBC). Although these tremors were too small to do any damage above ground, this was still a test drill. If an oil rig were to become operational, the tremors could increase in magnitude, causing significant damage both above ground and underneath the earth’s
...ed By Oklahoma House."Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City, OK) (n.d.): Regional Business News. Web. 21 Jan. 2014.
In today's global economy, energy is one of the most crucial and sought after commodities. Who supplies it and how much they supply determines how much influence they have over other countries as well as the global economy. This is why hydraulic fracturing is currently such an important and controversial topic in the United States. Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as "fracking" or hydrofracturing, is the process of using pressurized liquids to fracture rocks and release hydrocarbons such as shale gas, which burns more efficiently than coal. This booming process of energy production provides a much needed economic boost, creating jobs and providing gas energy for Americans. The efficiently burning shale gas reduces carbon emission from electricity production plants, reducing carbon footprints on the environment. However, the process of hydraulic fracturing uses millions of gallons of pressurized liquid, which contains toxic chemicals, and some of this water is left over undealt with. The air near fracking sites is often also polluted and unsafe for nearby community residents. Injecting millions of gallons of water laced with toxic chemicals into the rock thousands of feet deep can cause earthquakes, causing a safety hazards for all nearby areas. Hydraulic Fracturing makes rare natural gases easily attainable, boosting the economy and reducing carbon emissions. However, the negative side effects such as contaminated water and air, make hydraulic fracturing a process that may not be worth the benefits.
9. Upton, John. "Oil Industry Likely Triggered Big 2011 Oklahoma Earthquake, Scientists Find."Grist. N.p., 27 Mar. 2013. Web. 26 Nov. 2013.
Earthquakes are best described as a shaking or vibration of the ground caused by breaking of rock. Sometimes they are very strong and other times you would hardly notice them. This shaking occurs when stress that builds up in the crust is suddenly released as the crust breaks free and/or slides against the other pieces of crust. Earthquakes may also be thought of as the breaking of a popsicle stick by applying pressure to both ends at the same time. Should you try this experiment , you will feel the pressure build up as you apply more force until the stick snaps. When the stick snaps you will feel an instant of pain at your fingers as the stress reduces and energy waves move throughout the stick. When the earth's crust is placed under similar types of stress, binding as the stress builds, it will also snap and release the energy into the surrounding rocks, 'ooch'. Thinking about earthquakes will become more clear if you try another experiment.
The News Tribune: A.6. Washington State Newsstand. Feb. 29, 1996. Web. The Web.
Hazards pose risk to everyone. Our acceptance of the risks associated with hazards dictates where and how we live. As humans, we accept a certain amount of risk when choosing to live our daily lives. From time to time, a hazard becomes an emergent situation. Tornadoes in the Midwest, hurricanes along the Gulf Coast or earthquakes in California are all hazards that residents in those regions accept and live with. This paper will examine one hazard that caused a disaster requiring a response from emergency management personnel. Specifically, the hazard more closely examined here is an earthquake. With the recent twenty year anniversary covered by many media outlets, the January 17, 1994, Northridge, California earthquake to date is the most expensive earthquake in American history.
benchmark for the future, and integrated investigation into the effects of earthquakes in the U.S.
"The Great Quake: 1906-2006 / Rising from the Ashes." SFGate. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2014.
Numerous reports have been given on the dangerous affects of hydraulic fracturing. One such affect that has been noticed is that drinking water wells near the fracturing sites have been contaminated. During the hydro-fracking process, injected fluids that help to break and keep open the rock bed where the natural gas is kept, have “been known to travel three thousand feet from the well (Goldman).” This fluid could have the potential to enter and contaminate any water well for homes around hydraulic fracturing sites. This incident is one of the major problems that people want to figure out and know about before they allow a fracturing site by them. It has been the most feared outcome of having a fracking site nearby, and it is highly appropriate. One site in Wyoming had this happen, “…in August, EPA reported that eleven of thirty-nine drinking-water wells near a Wyoming hydraulic fracturing operation were contaminated with chemicals used in the fracturing process (Hobson EPA).” In Pennsylvania, another such case occurred, “There have already been severe pollution cases in Pennsylvania, mo...
Taher, R. (2011). General recommendations for improved building practices in earthquake and hurricane prone areas. San Francisco, CA: Architecture for Humanity Retrieved from
Earthquakes belong to the class of most disastrous natural hazards. They result in unexpected and tremendous earth movements. These movements results from dissemination of an enormous amount of intense energy in form of seismic waves which are detected by use of seismograms. The impact of earthquakes leaves behind several landmarks including: destruction of property, extensive disruption of services like sewer and water lines, loss of life, and causes instability in both economic and social components of the affected nation (Webcache 2).