Risk Assessment of Induced Earthquake Hazards in the Northern Netherlands

During the last decade, at least eight earthquakes occurred in the Northern Netherlands with a magnitude of 3 or higher on the Richter scale. These earthquakes are not tectonic but induced by natural gas production from the Groningen Gas Field. Before that time there were no earthquakes in Groningen with such magnitudes. Research conducted by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (EZ) and the State Supervision of Mines (Sodm) showed that both number and magnitude have increased in recent years. The Ministry has given priority to investigate the induced earthquake risks and effects on the most criti... Mehr ...