Stylized geothermal plant intersecting a fault line.

Shaky Ground: How to Navigate the Rising Risks of Geoenergy-Induced Seismicity

Elliot Brynn in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unearth the facts about induced earthquakes and what they mean for our energy future."

In our pursuit of low-carbon energy, we're increasingly tapping into the Earth's deep underground. But this comes with a hidden risk: geoenergy-induced seismicity. It turns out that extracting oil and gas, injecting wastewater, using deep geothermal systems, and even storing carbon can trigger earthquakes. While most are small, the potential for larger, damaging events is a growing concern.

Think of it like this: the Earth's crust is under immense pressure, and certain activities can act as a trigger, releasing that pent-up energy in the form of seismic events. This isn't just a scientific curiosity; it's a real-world issue affecting communities and shaping the future of energy development.

While seismologists and engineers are busy studying the hazard, social scientists are emphasizing the importance of risk communication. It's about more than just the science; it's about engaging communities, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that energy projects proceed responsibly.

What's the Connection Between Energy and Earthquakes?

Stylized geothermal plant intersecting a fault line.

The United States, Canada, and the Netherlands are facing unprecedented levels of induced seismicity, directly linked to modern oil and gas operations. Wastewater injection, a common practice in the industry, is a primary culprit. But it's not just fossil fuels; even supposedly 'green' technologies like deep geothermal systems and carbon capture and storage carry this risk.

Here's the breakdown: when we inject fluids into the Earth, we're changing the pressure within the rock formations. This can lubricate existing faults, making them more likely to slip and cause earthquakes. It's like inflating a balloon until it suddenly bursts.

Oil and Gas Extraction: Onshore activities including waste water injection has been linked to earthquakes.
Deep Geothermal Systems: Extracting heat from the earth can cause seismic activity.
Carbon Capture and Storage: Storing carbon underground alters the ground pressures and has been linked to earthquakes.

While it's true that most of these induced earthquakes are small, they can still be felt by local residents and cause concern. Plus, the possibility of larger, more damaging events can't be ruled out. This is why it's critical to understand the risks and manage them effectively.

The Path Forward: Communication and Collaboration

Geoenergy-induced seismicity presents a complex challenge that requires a collaborative approach. Scientists, industry, policymakers, and the public must work together to understand the risks, develop effective mitigation strategies, and ensure that energy projects are developed responsibly. By prioritizing open communication, transparency, and community engagement, we can navigate this 'shaky ground' and build a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is geoenergy-induced seismicity, and why is it a growing concern?

Geoenergy-induced seismicity refers to earthquakes triggered by human activities related to tapping into the Earth's deep underground for energy. These activities include extracting oil and gas, wastewater injection, deep geothermal systems, and carbon capture and storage. It's a growing concern because while most induced earthquakes are small, there's a potential risk for larger, damaging events that can affect communities and the future of energy development. The Earth's crust is under immense pressure, and these activities can act as a trigger, releasing that pent-up energy in seismic events.

Which specific geoenergy technologies are most associated with increasing seismic activity?

Several geoenergy technologies have been linked to increased seismic activity. Wastewater injection, a common practice in oil and gas operations, is a primary factor. Deep geothermal systems, which extract heat from the earth, and carbon capture and storage, which involves storing carbon underground, also carry this risk. These processes change the pressure within rock formations, potentially lubricating existing faults and causing them to slip, leading to earthquakes.

Beyond the scientific and engineering aspects, what role do social scientists play in addressing geoenergy-induced seismicity?

Social scientists play a crucial role in risk communication, engaging communities, and addressing their concerns related to geoenergy-induced seismicity. It's about more than just understanding the science behind the hazard; it's about ensuring that energy projects proceed responsibly and that the public is informed and involved in the process. Open communication, transparency, and community engagement are vital for navigating this complex issue.

What actions can communities and energy companies take to mitigate the risks associated with geoenergy-induced seismicity, and ensure that energy projects are developed responsibly?

Effective mitigation strategies require a collaborative approach involving scientists, industry, policymakers, and the public. Prioritizing open communication, transparency, and community engagement is key. This includes sharing information about the risks, involving communities in decision-making processes, and developing strategies to minimize the potential for seismic events. Continuous monitoring and adaptive management are also essential for ensuring that energy projects are developed responsibly and sustainably.

Considering the potential for induced seismicity, how might the pursuit of 'green' technologies like deep geothermal systems and carbon capture and storage need to be re-evaluated or approached differently?

The pursuit of 'green' technologies needs careful consideration due to the risk of induced seismicity. Deep geothermal systems and carbon capture and storage, while intended to reduce carbon emissions, can alter ground pressures and trigger earthquakes. Therefore, these technologies require thorough geological assessments, advanced monitoring systems, and robust risk management strategies. A balanced approach is necessary, weighing the environmental benefits against the potential seismic risks and ensuring that communities are involved in the decision-making process.