Physics-Based Hazard Assessment Of Anthropogenic Seismicity

Since the year 2001 and after decades of steady Magnitude ≥ 3 earthquake rate in the United States, the number of annual earthquakes have been increasing exponentially from a steady 20 events per year in that year to up to 188 events per year in 2011. This is suspected to be human- induced. Modern tools of physics such as statistical mechanics and complexity can shed light on processes which trigger seismicity, anthropogenic and otherwise. In this study, after introducing the methods of analysis, I have particularly examined anthropogenic processes such as wastewater and CO2 injections which can trigger seismicity. Furthermore, statistical Modeling of fluid injec- tion/extraction has been made possible using Bayesian inference. The San Andreas Fault (SAF) and the lake-fillings nearby (Salton Sea) is also chosen as a complex system of interest. Short-term forecasting of anthropogenic seismic events may be effective in mitigation strategies near fault zones.