Human-Induced Earthquakes: The Intersection of Development and Seismicity in India
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Geography (Earthquakes, Tectonic Plates), Environment (Climate Change impacts, Groundwater depletion, Dams), Disaster Management.
Mains:
GS Paper 1: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami.
GS Paper 3: Disaster and disaster management; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Key Highlights from the News
Human-induced earthquakes are caused by human activities. These can include mining, groundwater extraction, water storage in dams, and fracking.
Studies indicate that minor earthquakes in the Delhi-NCR region are due to excessive groundwater extraction.
The major earthquake near the Koyna dam in Maharashtra in 1967 was caused by excessive water storage in the dam (Reservoir-Induced Seismicity). Similar tremors have been recorded around Kerala's Mullaperiyar dam.
Fracking (hydraulic fracturing), used for energy needs, can also cause earthquakes.
Climate change indirectly influences earthquakes. Melting glaciers and changes in rainfall patterns alter the pressure on the Earth's crust.
Experts say that human activities do not create new earthquakes but rather accelerate or delay natural processes in existing earthquake-prone areas (faultlines).
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