Factors influencing public beliefs regarding the cause of induced earthquakes

Andrew Tracy (), Amy Javernick-Will and Abbie Liel
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Andrew Tracy: University of Colorado Boulder
Amy Javernick-Will: University of Colorado Boulder
Abbie Liel: University of Colorado Boulder

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2022, vol. 114, issue 1, No 8, 183-204

Abstract: Abstract The central USA has experienced an increase in the frequency and magnitude of human-induced earthquakes. The earthquakes are caused by the deep-well injection of water produced from oil and gas development. However, the novelty of these earthquakes and the politicized nature of oil and gas have resulted in competing explanations for their causes, leading to public uncertainty. To determine public beliefs about the causes of the earthquakes and the factors that influence these beliefs, we administered and analyzed a household survey. We found that the more individuals experienced the adverse effects of the earthquakes, the more they agreed that they were caused by the injection of wastewater from oil and gas production. Further, individuals with more positive perceptions of oil and gas industry activity more strongly believed that the earthquakes are caused by nature. These findings show that beliefs around technological, energy-related hazards are shaped by hazard exposure and views about the human activity causing the hazard. Understanding what the public believes to be the cause of the earthquakes is important, as it can impact policy and personal interventions taken to mitigate risk.

Keywords: Induced seismicity; Oil and gas; Risk perceptions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-022-05386-9

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