Human-induced earthquakes: E-PIE—a generic tool for Evaluating Proposals of Induced Earthquakes

Abstract The HiQuake database documents all cases of earthquake sequences proposed on scientific grounds to have been induced by anthropogenic industrial activity. Because these range from being highly plausible unpersuasive, stakeholders requested be allocated plausibility grades. Since no questionnaire scheme existed that was sufficiently generalized applied the diverse in , we developed a new for task. Our Evaluating Proposals Induced Earthquakes (E-PIE) comprises nine questions with simple weighting system adjust variable diagnostic strength different observations. Results are illustrated using colored pie chart. We describe E-PIE and illustrate its application detail example Groningen gas field Netherlands, November 2017 M5.4 Pohang Enhanced Geothermal Systems-related sequence South Korea, 2001 deep-penetrating bombing Tora Bora, Afghanistan. To test performance E-PIE, five analysts independently it suite 23 . By far most those concerning spatial temporal correlations effects. Other data diagnostically subsidiary. For individual cases, agreement between correlated positively evidence human induction. results agree well specialist tailored fluid-injection cases. Its strong confirms suitability apply entire database.