Induced Seismicity

Man-made earthquakes are referred to as induced seismicity. In general these are tiny rupture processes (microearthquakes) that occur in all kind of geotechnical operations, and can only be detected by highly sensitive instruments. Occasionally, however, induced earthquakes are strong enough to be felt or even to cause damage in their epicentral areas. This is why induced seismicity has to be considered a non-negligible risk in larger-scale geotechnical operations, especially in densely populated countries like Switzerland. The processes and conditions underpinning induced seismicity are still not sufficiently well understood to make useful predictions as to the likely seismic response of the underground to these geotechnical operations. The SED's research group on induced seismicity (INDU@SED) tries to close this knowledge gap by addressing the problem form various angles.