FOREX TRADERS

[Jester_Vandalay]

Major earthquakes in Mexicali Valley, Mexico and fluid exraction at Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field

Statistical evaluation of anthropogenic influence on seismicity in the Mexicali Valley.

In an area of active tectonics like Mexicali Valley, situated in the southern part of San Andreas system, the presence of human-induced seismicity is not always obvious. In this work we analyze 30 years of regional seismicity in comparison with fluid extraction and injection volumes in the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field. . Using spectral analysis of seismicity and data cross-correlation, we find that strong seismicity increases occurr about one year after the extraction increases and that local seismicity is correlated with injection with 3-7 months delay. Since the delay can be explained by the process of seismicity diffusion, we can conclude that, at least partially, the seismicity in the Mexicali valley is of anthropogenic origin.

Interesting work by E. Glowacka and F. Nava