LArge-n Seismic Survey in Oklahoma (LASSO): Probing injection-induced seismicity with a dense array

Sara L. Dougherty, Elizabeth S. Cochran, & Rebecca M. Harrington

Published August 11, 2016, SCEC Contribution #6633, 2016 SCEC Annual Meeting Poster #197

In response to the increased seismicity in Oklahoma, we deployed a temporary large-N array of more than 1,800 vertical-component nodal seismometers over a 25-km-by-32-km region (nominal spacing of ~400 m) in northern Oklahoma during spring 2016. This dense array will allow us to view sequences of likely-induced seismicity in a region of active wastewater injection with unprecedented clarity. We will use this LArge-n Seismic Survey in Oklahoma (LASSO) array to assess the locations, frequency, magnitudes, source properties, and spatiotemporal evolution of micro- to minor earthquakes in an effort to improve our understanding of the relationship(s) between injection parameters and induced seismicity, potentially leading to more accurate seismic hazard assessment and improved hazard mitigation. We will also identify the locations and orientations of subsurface faults to provide insights into where future locations of injection-induced seismicity may occur and perform tomographic imaging of the shallow crust to provide additional details of the geologic structure and any potential preferential location of seismicity in or along a particular unit or fault.

Citation
Dougherty, S. L., Cochran, E. S., & Harrington, R. M. (2016, 08). LArge-n Seismic Survey in Oklahoma (LASSO): Probing injection-induced seismicity with a dense array. Poster Presentation at 2016 SCEC Annual Meeting.

Related Projects & Working Groups
Seismology