Hydropower stimulates artificial earthquakes

Large accumulation of water for hydroelectricity, oil and gas exploitation, and minerals can be stimulating factors that cause earthquakes.

>>> Theexplosion in the ground may be caused by volcanic lava

This is the explanation of geological experts after an earthquake in Bac Tra My area (Quang Nam). Here, a 2.7-magnitude earthquake with a 3km magnitude shock occurred on November 17 and continued to emit a loud explosion in the ground on November 23.

Not strange phenomenon .

The initial judgment of experts on small earthquake chain occurred in Bac Tra My district (Quang Nam) in recent years is due to the fact that Song Tranh 2 hydropower reservoir was newly built and not stable.

After accumulating water, Hoa Binh hydropower has the largest earthquake
is 1989 at 3.9 Richter.(Photo of Hoa Binh hydropower dam).

Explaining this phenomenon, Prof. Cao Dinh Trieu, Vietnam Geophysical and Technical Association, expert of Geophysical Institute, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology aiming at the possibility of Song Tranh 2 hydropower has accumulated water. in the reservoir makes the water permeable into the fault zone. The accumulation of this water is met on the right occasion of the active fault zone, which breaks down the pressure in the soil and rock that stimulates earthquake activity to occur.

Experts also said that this is not a strange or unusual phenomenon. As simple as for hydropower and irrigation works, the main types of damage to dams (for earth dams are cracking of the surface or sliding roof; with gravity concrete breaking the bridge for the bridge. or a cylindrical valve column, with a dam is a broken arch, with a aqueduct is a fracture of a column or a trough .). According to GS Trieu, this also explains the importance of hydroelectric dams and irrigation as well as the great consequences of dams preventing water breakage.

Earlier, the stimulus earthquake caused by reservoir construction in northwestern Vietnam was also observed by the Geophysical Institute after accumulating water from Hoa Binh hydropower. The largest observed earthquake was 3.9 Richter in 1989. Mr. Trieu affirmed: 'Blocking water can trigger an earthquake or earthquake that may happen sooner than expected but it is not dangerous. However, it is necessary to study if it occurs at the same time of strong fault zone activity and blocking water flow will be more dangerous'.

Excessive exploitation of oil and gas, underground water

Not only is the reservoir water used as hydroelectricity, geologists also warn that large-scale exploitation of oil, groundwater or minerals changes the state of the earth's crust causing stimulating earthquakes. The magnitude here is thought of as mining in Quang Ninh coal mine or large oil extraction areas .

Monitoring earthquakes at the Institute of Geophysics (Photo: Nhu Y)

The phenomenon of earthquake, earthquake in Quang Nam has caused many people to express concern when the exploitation of groundwater in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has been mentioned in many previous studies related to ground subsidence. In many places in Hanoi such as Thanh Cong is 41.42mm / year, Ngo Sy Lien 31.52mm / year, Phap Van 22.16 mm / year . However, Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Dan Nguyen Union Chief Union The hydrogeology and geology delegation said that the exploitation of groundwater such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City currently only causes the subsidence of land surface, not causing earthquake impact. Prof. Dr. Cao Dinh Trieu also shares this view.

Back in the earthquake phenomenon in Quang Nam, scientists also warned of the phenomenon of landslides and landslides in mountainous districts of Quang Nam province. Therefore, it is necessary to gather scientists and specialized agencies into the study to help people actively prevent when there are uncertainties.