What Are Human-Induced Earthquakes?
- Definition: Seismic activity caused directly or indirectly by human interventions in Earth’s crust.
- Global Trend:
- Over 700 human-induced earthquakes have been recorded in the last 150 years (Seismological Research Letters, 2017).
- Increasing frequency due to growing infrastructural and energy activities.
Relevance : GS 1(Geography),GS 3(Infrastructure)
Causes of Human-Induced Earthquakes
A. Resource Extraction
- Groundwater Extraction:
- Alters subsurface pressure and mass balance.
- Delhi-NCR: Correlation between declining water tables (2003–2012) and rise in seismic activity (Scientific Reports, 2021).
- Mining and Oil/Gas Extraction:
- Induces stress release and subsurface shifts.
- Fracking (Hydraulic Fracturing):
- Injecting fluids deep underground can induce tremors.
- India has 56 fracking sites across six States.
B. Infrastructure Projects
- Large Dams:
- Change in surface water load can modulate crustal stresses.
- Koyna (1967): 6.3 magnitude quake linked to dam-induced seismicity.
- Mullaperiyar (Kerala): Elevated seismic activity recorded.
- Tall Buildings/Coastal Structures:
- Add static pressure on local faults, especially in seismically active regions.
Earthquake-Prone Zones in India
- Delhi-NCR: Located in Seismic Zone IV; vulnerable due to multiple fault lines and high groundwater stress.
- Gangetic Plains: Fast-depleting water tables and soft alluvial soil amplify seismic vulnerability.
- Himalayan Belt: Prone to natural and induced quakes due to tectonic activity.
- Western Ghats (Sahyadri): Seismicity triggered by heavy rainfall altering surface load.
Role of Climate Change
- Melting Glaciers: Alters crustal equilibrium (e.g., Antarctica, Greenland).
- Rainfall Pattern Shifts:
- Sudden heavy rainfall increases crustal stress.
- Longer droughts can reactivate old faultlines (e.g., California, 2014).
Regulatory and Scientific Measures
- Current Issues in India:
- Lack of regulation for dam loading/unloading compared to U.S. standards.
- Minimal seismic evaluation prior to large hydropower projects.
- Weak seismic instrumentation networks in rural and high-risk zones.
- Recommended Steps:
- Regulate dam operations in seismic zones.
- Scientific groundwater extraction linked to recharge capacity.
- Strengthen real-time seismic monitoring in stress zones (e.g., Palghar, NCR).
- Integrate seismic risk into urban and energy planning.
Policy and Planning
- Disaster Management Plans (NDMA):
- Must account for induced seismicity from both natural and anthropogenic sources.
- Energy Policy:
- Shift towards low-impact renewables (solar/wind) to reduce seismic risks from hydropower and fossil extraction.
- Urban Policy:
- Enforce seismic zoning and structural audits for buildings in Zones III–V.
- Climate Adaptation Strategies:
- Include geological risk assessments for water and agriculture planning.
Key Takeaways
- Human activities do not cause earthquakes independently, but they can modulate or accelerate tectonic processes, especially in fault-prone or deforming zones.
- Earthquake risk is multi-dimensional, tied to hydrology, infrastructure, climate, and energy demand.
- Need for multi-agency coordination, scientific regulation, and climate-informed development planning.
