The Geology of Active Earthquake Sequences in Texas

Abstract

The TexNet Earthquake Monitoring Network and its partner dense seismic networks are now providing detailed information on seismicity in Texas. Areas of active seismicity include the Delaware Basin, Midland Basin, Scurry Co, Texas Panhandle, Fort Worth Basin, East Texas Basin, and the Eagle Ford operating area. Each of these areas has unique geologic and operating histories that need to be considered when assessing seismicity at the local to regional scale - the earthquake habitat. What are the similarities and differences in the habitats of these areas? Each area has a unique stress state, fault architecture, fluid pressure regime, tectonic history, operational history, and earthquake sequence history. Some areas appear to have mainly induced seismicity, some have mainly naturally-caused events, and others have a mix. Comparing the geology of these areas to each other provides insight into the specific characteristics that may be important to understanding earthquake cause and to defining the scope of steps required to reduce the hazard where possible.

In our presentation we will review recent earthquake data on active sequences in Texas and then provide a synopsis of our progress toward summarizing and synthesizing the geologic setting and operational history of the areas. We will discuss a comparison of the earthquake habitats, summarize things we think are now understood, and outline the scientific questions that can be tractably addressed by current research approaches.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90350 © 2019 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, May 19-22, 2019