Hydraulic Fracturing‐Induced Seismicity

TLDR

Hydraulic fracturing extracts petroleum from impermeable rocks by injecting high‑pressure fluid that propagates fractures, but the technique can reactivate faults and cause induced seismicity, raising economic, human, and regulatory concerns. The authors review the current knowledge of hydraulic‑fracturing‑induced seismicity. They synthesize published HF‑induced earthquake cases, identify common patterns such as swarms near wellbores and rapid responses, and outline research questions and mitigation strategies. HF‑induced seismicity offers insights into earthquake rupture processes and underscores the need to balance industry activity with risk mitigation to prevent extreme outcomes.

Abstract

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing (HF) is a technique that is used for extracting petroleum resources from impermeable host rocks. In this process, fluid injected under high pressure causes fractures to propagate. This technique has been transformative for the hydrocarbon industry, unlocking otherwise stranded resources; however, environmental concerns make HF controversial. One concern is HF‐induced seismicity, since fluids driven under high pressure also have the potential to reactivate faults. Controversy has inevitably followed these HF‐induced earthquakes, with economic and human losses from ground shaking at one extreme and moratoriums on resource development at the other. Here, we review the state of knowledge of this category of induced seismicity. We first cover essential background information on HF along with an overview of published induced earthquake cases to date. Expanding on this, we synthesize the common themes and interpret the origin of these commonalities, which include recurrent earthquake swarms, proximity to well bore, rapid response to stimulation, and a paucity of reported cases. Next, we discuss the unanswered questions that naturally arise from these commonalities, leading to potential research themes: consistent recognition of cases, proposed triggering mechanisms, geologically susceptible conditions, identification of operational controls, effective mitigation efforts, and science‐informed regulatory management. HF‐induced seismicity provides a unique opportunity to better understand and manage earthquake rupture processes; overall, understanding HF‐induced earthquakes is important in order to avoid extreme reactions in either direction.