More than 100 earthquakes struck West Texas between July 22 to 29, 2024, prompting the declaration of a state of disaster.
- The strongest in the series thus far was M5.1 on July 26 — making it the 6th strongest earthquake in Texas history.
- The earthquakes are caused by activities related to oil and gas extraction.
An earthquake swarm with at least 100 earthquakes hit West Texas from July 22 to 29. The sequence was initiated by M4.9 at 03:38 UTC on July 23 (22:38 LT).
There have been 4 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or higher, with the highest registered as M5.1 on the morning of July 26 — making it the 6th strongest in the history of Texas. The quake hit at a depth of 3.3 km (2 miles) and was located 17 km (10.5 miles) NNE of Hermleigh.
The magnitude of the earthquakes is considered strong for the region. While it is unlikely for a very strong earthquake to hit the area, it cannot be ruled out.
This area has seen a significant increase in earthquake activity since 2019, and USGS scientists believe it is linked to enhanced recovery techniques used in depleted oil fields to economically extract the most difficult-to-get oil and natural gas.
“We can say with confidence that these are related to oil and gas extractions,” said Justin Rubinstein, a geophysicist with the USGS in Menlo Park, California.
The Scurry County Judge has declared a state of disaster due to increased seismic activity, structural damage, safety concerns, and resource mobilization.
To reduce seismicity possibly caused by the underground injection of produced water, several operators in the area have converted deep saltwater disposal wells to shallow saltwater disposal wells within the last year. Disposal wells are used to dispose of produced water, which is water that comes out from wells during oil and gas production. RRC inspectors have been inspecting saltwater disposal wells within a 4 km (2.5 miles) cluster of earthquakes, and they will evaluate the next steps to mitigate earthquakes.
The commission said it will continue to take necessary measures to protect the environment and residents in the area.
