20.6.2. Mechanism

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is reservoir-induced seismicity?

   Hint

   Think about how water pressure affects the ground.

2. 2.

   How does hydrostatic pressure affect seismicity?

   Hint

   What happens when something heavy sits on a surface?

3. 3.

   What is reservoir-induced seismicity?

   • A natural phenomenon occurring without human interference
   • Earthquakes induced by the filling of reservoirs
   • Only occurs in tectonic regions

   Hint

   Think about how water changes pressure in geological formations.

4. 4.

   True or False: Pore pressure increases with the infiltration of water into rock layers.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what water does to a sponge.

5. 5.

   Given that pore pressure can significantly decrease friction on a fault, derive a scenario where increased reservoir filling leads to an earthquake. Factor in the relationship between normal stress, shear stress, and friction.

   Hint

   Consider how stress components interact in a mechanical system.

6. 6.

   Assess the implications of reservoir-induced seismicity for urban planning in a city with multiple large dams. What engineering practices could mitigate seismic risk?

   Hint

   Think about how forward planning can reduce future risks in vulnerable areas.