Another 3.4 Earthquake Just Shook Up a Texas City
A 3.4 earthquake just hit a Texas city.
In West Texas, earthquakes have become more common in recent years, with the region Cseveral quakes in the past few months. The largest of these was a 3.4 magnitude quake that struck outside the town of Toyah early on Monday, November 11th.
While the exact cause of these earthquakes is still being investigated, some have speculated that they are linked to the booming oil and gas industry in the area, particularly the practice of fracking. The US Geological Survey has warned that improper disposal of wastewater from oil and gas operations can contribute to earthquake activity.
CONNECTING EARTHQUAKES TO FRACKING
Despite the growing frequency of these quakes, the recent ones have been relatively small, with the 3.4 magnitude quake causing only minor vibrations and no significant damage. However, the trend is concerning, and officials are working to address the potential connection between the earthquakes and the oil and gas industry's activities in the region.
According to the United States Geologic Service, at minimum, there have been 5 earthquakes reported in West Texas near the Panhandle.
“The earthquake rate in the broader Eagle Ford Shale, which stretches from approximately La Grange southwest all the way to the border with Mexico, has risen significantly since 2018,” Justin Rubinstein, a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey previously told MySA. He also added, “The earthquakes have also gotten larger.”
Overall, the people of West Texas are becoming increasingly accustomed to the regular rumblings beneath their feet, even as they continue to search for answers and solutions to this ongoing seismic activity.
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