Oil and Gas Activity Likely Caused West Texas Earthquakes

A series of earthquakes in West Texas, including a magnitude 5.1 quake on Friday, has caused significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and utility lines. These quakes, which have been ongoing since 2021, are believed to be induced by oil and gas activities in the region, particularly in the Permian Basin. The area has a history of such seismic activity, with over 50 quakes of magnitude 3 or larger recorded in recent years.

The city of Snyder’s Office of Emergency Management declared a disaster in Scurry County, emphasizing the need for resources to ensure resident safety. Despite the damage, no injuries have been reported. Officials continue to monitor the situation as smaller tremors persist.

USGS research geophysicist Robert Skoumal highlighted the long history of induced earthquakes in the Permian Basin, dating back to the 1970s. The region, known for its rich deposits of petroleum and natural gas, is the most active area for induced earthquakes in the U.S. and possibly the world. The primary cause of these quakes is attributed to wastewater disposal from oil and gas extraction processes.

While further analysis is required to confirm the exact causes, the ongoing quakes in this typically non-seismic region strongly suggest a link to oil and gas operations. Similar situations in Oklahoma have led to regulatory changes and a subsequent decline in induced earthquakes.