Recent Seismicity in West Texas

In recent years, possible induced seismicity has been detected in the southern mid-continent of the U.S., including Texas. These events have led to substantial public discussion regarding the cause and potential risks of damage to infrastructure and to public safety. In an effort to better understand the seismogenesis of these events and to monitor earthquake activity, a statewide seismic monitoring program, known as TexNet, has been funded by the 84th Texas Legislature to deploy seismic stations in Texas. The goal of TexNet is to provide authenticated data to evaluate the location, frequency, and likely causes of natural and induced seismicity. It is suggested that seismicity is associated with oil and gas production (e.g., development of hydrocarbon extraction) and/or wastewater injection. A better understanding of these seismic events will help stakeholders avoid operational procedures that may lead to the occurrence of induced earthquakes.