Question

Is it possible for humans to induce earthquakes? Explain.

Answer 1

An earthquake is a motion or shaking of the surface of the earth that is resulted from the sudden movements in the earth’s inner part. Earthquakes are caused by faults, volcanic eruptions, tectonic activities, man-made and there are other reasons also.

Yes, it is possible for humans to induce earthquakes. Normally, earthquake is a natural occurrence but humans do induce earthquakes. How humans can induce earthquakes is discussed in detail as follows-

1) Mining- Numerous methods like drilling are used to pull out oil or natural gas from inside the earth. These methods put a lot of pressure on the earth which may lead to earthquakes.

2) Construction of dams- Construction of reservoirs of water can also induce earthquakes.

3) Waste fluid disposal- Induction of waste water at the depth of the earth can trigger earthquakes.

4) Fracking or Hydraulic fracturing- It is the activity in which the liquid is injected inside the earth to draw out the oil by fracturing the rock.

5) Extraction of groundwater- It can cause the water table to fall which eventually disturb the faults.

6) Skyscrapers- Skyscraper is a building which is very tall. These buildings put lot of pressure on the earth. Ultimately it leads to occurrence of the earthquakes.

7) Power plants- Human made power plants can also induce earthquakes.

These were the main man made causes that induce earthquakes.