Sunday, November 15, 2015

A most directive Oklahoma earthquake - M4.3


This is at the far end of the zone, basically in a new area for the larger earthquakes.  It blasted in one direction only, typical NE.  Some stations recorded it as a 5.4.  I think it is closer to a 5 in terms of energy, so that really puts up the total seismic energy curve.



I never know why the zones are so limited.  I think it's because they don't have a clue about the Precambrian and just drill near where there was success before.  Anyway, they can continue to drill down in the SW direction, I guarantee success!  :)  In the other g+ discussion, I noted that US natural gas prices are up, so we'll have lots of gas frack waste, which is the only thing that counts.  Note that all the recent earthquakes have been on a perfect NE line, following the megathrust.  After all this activity, the fractures will open up some more, allowing full volume.  Oh, they might shut down a well or two right on top of this latest earthquake, but there are other places to go in this big Whack-a-mole game.  :)

Add:  I'm calling this a 5 in terms of strain effect on the system.  We have had 5.5's already, but each one was either very deep, or had the directivity pointed away.  We are well on the curve.

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