Recent Earthquakes Magnitude 4.8 in West Texas and 3.0 in Northern Mexico
On Friday, a magnitude 4.8 earthquake hit West Texas near Ackerly, followed by a magnitude 3 quake in Mexico near the Texas border. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, increased seismic activity is primarily due to wastewater disposal related to oil production, not hydraulic fracturing.
On Friday, a preliminary magnitude 4.8 earthquake struck West Texas, approximately 16 miles southwest of Ackerly and at a depth of 4.2 miles. The tremor occurred at 12:33 p.m. Mountain Time, with Ackerly situated about 62 miles northeast of Midland, Texas.
Additionally, another earthquake registering a preliminary magnitude of 3 struck shortly before at 12:31 p.m. MT in Mexico, near the Texas border, roughly 33 miles south-southwest of Sierra Blanca, Texas, occurring at a depth of 6.5 miles.
As reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), “most induced earthquakes are not directly caused by hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The recent increase in earthquakes in the central United States is primarily caused by disposal of waste fluids that are a byproduct of oil production.” These findings suggest that the practice of injecting wastewater into disposal wells is a significant contributor to seismic activity.
In summary, recent seismic events in West Texas and Northern Mexico highlight the ongoing issue of induced earthquakes related to oil production practices. The U.S. Geological Survey emphasizes that while hydraulic fracturing is often considered a primary cause, it is the disposal of wastewater that plays a more significant role in triggering these earthquakes.
Original Source: www.lonestarlive.com
