Paths Forward to Understanding and Managing Induced Seismicity in Energy Technology Development - Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies - page 117

Paths Forward to
Understanding and Managing
Induced Seismicity in Energy
Technology Development
Induced seismicity has associated hazards and risks that can, in concept, be quanti-
fied. Understanding what is meant by “hazard” and “risk” related to induced seismicity is
critical to any discussion of the options that can be employed to mitigate the possibility
of felt induced seismicity and potential impacts from development of energy technolo-
gies. To promote a better understanding of hazards and risks, we first define these terms
precisely and identify the factors that influence them. The remainder of the chapter dis-
cusses hazards and risks associated with induced seismicity and steps that can be taken
to quantify hazard and risk associated with induced seismicity. The committee envisions
future approaches toward mitigation of any hazards associated with induced seismicity
involving “best practices” protocols as a cooperative endeavor between industry, govern-
ment, and the public (Chapter 6).
HAZARDS AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INDUCED SEISMICITY
Definitions
The hazard of induced seismicity is the description and possible quantification of what
physical effects could be generated by human activities associated with subsurface energy
production or carbon capture and storage (CCS). For this discussion, physical effects in-
clude microseisms, earthquakes, and the associated ground shaking, both underground and
at the Earth's surface. In concept it is possible to calculate probabilities of the occurrence of
microseisms and earthquakes and, given one of these events, to predict the possible ground
motions. However, making such calculations requires assembling statistical data that are not
readily available, such as the total number of wells of different depths, the geologic environ-
ments (including faults and plate motions), production characteristics from the well(s), and
the subsets of those wells that generate microseisms and earthquakes of various magnitudes.
The risk of induced seismicity is the description and possible quantification of how
induced earthquakes might cause losses (damage to structures, and effects on humans
including injuries and deaths). The losses generally occur on the Earth's surface, although