Scientists Blame Fracking As Oklahoma Quakes Continue

LUTHER, Okla. (AP) — The U.S. Geological Survey says an earthquake has rattled central Oklahoma.

The USGS says the 3.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded shortly before 6 a.m. less than 2 miles east-northeast of Luther in Oklahoma County, about 28 miles east of Oklahoma City. Geologists say the temblor was recorded at a depth of three miles.

No damage or injuries were reported. Geologists say earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 are the smallest felt by humans and damage is not likely from quakes below magnitude 4.0.

The number of magnitude 3.0 or greater earthquakes has skyrocketed in Oklahoma, from a few dozen in 2012 to more than 900 last year.

Scientists have linked the increase to the underground disposal of wastewater from oil-and-gas production and state regulators have asked producers to reduce wastewater disposal volumes.

 

Original Article:http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OKLAHOMA_EARTHQUAKE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2016-05-31-08-38-04