Satellite Imagery Measures Ground Motion Due to Oklahoma Induced Seismicity

Researchers: Magali Barba-Sevilla, Bridger W. Baird, Abbie B. Liel and Kristy F. Tiampo, University of Colorado, Boulder

Written by Linda Rowan
6 November 2019

Summary

Ground displacements caused by wastewater injection near Cushing, Oklahoma are examined from satellite radar measurements. The remote sensing shows between 4 to 6 centimeters of uplift across Cushing over 17 months. Observations during the M 5 2016 Cushing earthquake suggest the earthquake is shallower than defined by other measurements. Remote sensing provides a significant new way to understand near-surface deformation caused by humans or nature, especially near critical infrastructure such as the Cushing Hub, among the largest of oil storage facilities.

Observations

The number of earthquakes of small to medium magnitude has increased in Oklahoma over the past decade and most of these earthquakes are associated with human activities, such as wastewater injection. In 2016, a moment magnitude (M) 5 earthquake struck near Cushing, Oklahoma, causing some damage to built structures. It is important to understand these earthquakes and the amount of near surface changes occurring over time because of the risk to people and infrastructure. The Cushing Hub near Cushing, Oklahoma is among the largest oil storage facilities in the world and is considered a critical national infrastructure in the United States. Damage to this hub from earthquakes or ground displacement is of great concern to the community and the nation.