State, federal earthquake numbers differ.
U.S., state use different calculations to determine earthquake strength.Due to differences in calculating earthquake magnitudes, the Oklahoma Geological Survey reported half as many magnitude 4 and higher earthquakes in Oklahoma last year as the United States Geological Survey reported, records show.
The difference between a magnitude 3.9 and a magnitude 4.0 earthquake is largely academic to seismologists because most people experience about the same amount of shaking. There’s also a margin of error based on locations of seismometers and different formulas to calculate earthquakes. However, any decrease in previously reported magnitudes can raise questions.
Bob Jackman, a petroleum geologist based in Tulsa, has been compiling data and reports on the state’s earthquakes for several years. He cited previous statements by Holland that he has felt pressured by the energy industry.
“OGS’ creditability has been in serious doubt for some time. ... This new Tulsa World evidence validates charges of disregard for the truth, and concealment of reality of frequency of magnitudes of earthquakes since 2010.”
“Speaking for thousands of central Oklahoma homeowners suffering small to large earthquake damages, we all demand immediate investigations into ... not only causes but those responsible for these known man-made earthquakes.”
A recent Tulsa World investigation found that OGS had failed to complete several key studies of damaging earthquakes and earthquake swarms.
OGS never completed its study on the 2011 Prague earthquake, which damaged dozens of homes and was the largest in state history.
Mark Crismon, who lives near Glencoe in Noble County, said he is concerned about the risk for a much larger earthquake and believes the state isn’t doing enough to prevent it. Crismon monitors a seismometer on his property as part of an Oklahoma State University research project.
“They need to treat Oklahoma like it’s a war zone. Instead of bombs, it’s earthquakes,” Crismon said. He said his wife, who is from Germany, recently remarked that “at least in Germany you had a 10-minute warning or so before they were coming.” [
link to www.tulsaworld.com]
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