3-D View of Brine Injection (IMAGE)

Arizona State University

3-D View of Brine Injection

Caption

Wells drilled into Oklahoma's Arbuckle formation inject wastewater (1) which then disperses through the rock. As it spreads, the wastewater can trigger earthquakes in fault zones (2), but their size depends on the amount injected and the rock's properties. The new model can predict quake probabilities by the quantity of wastewater injected.

Credit

Guang Zhai, Manoochehr Shirzaei/ASU

Usage Restrictions

No restrictions when used in connection with reportage on this story.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.