Officials investigate fracking’s role in 56 Kansas earthquakes

Image: Hydraulic fracturing drill rig in Pennsylvania (Credit: Environmental Protection Agency)

In the past seven months, there have been 56 recorded earthquakes in Kansas, according to the Wichita Eagle. Though monitoring data for past years is inconsistent, most agree that’s not normal.

Geologists in other states have identified fracking as a likely cause for quakes recorded around the country, so the Kansas Geological Survey is investigating possible links to the mining practice.

But drawing similar conclusions so far has been hampered by a lack of historical seismic data. Kansas officials say there is little evidence that fracking caused the tremors, but note that their state has only had two seismic monitoring stations since 1989.

Image: Hydraulic fracturing drill rig in Pennsylvania (Credit: Environmental Protection Agency)