How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater

A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydrogeology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2023) | Viewed by 12962

Special Issue Editors

Kamchatka Branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia
Interests: groundwater; earthquakes; well observations; hydrogeoseismology; earthquake precursors; earthquake prediction
Kamchatka Branch of the Geophysical Survey of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Petropavlovsk, Russia
Interests: groundwater; well observations; geophysics; earthquakes; mathematical modeling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

For decades, the geosciences have been interested in studying the impact of earthquakes on the natural environment, including groundwater. The variety of such effects on the groundwater level, discharge, temperature, and hydrogeochemistry has not yet been fully explained. However, it is obvious that an important role in the variety of seismohydrogeological effects is played by the natural environment of formation, as well as hydrogeodynamic and gas-hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater, controlled by observation wells and springs. Comprehensive consideration of seismohydrogeological effects involves a reasonable identification of individual components of the impact of an earthquake on groundwater. Such components include (1) changes in the stress–strain state of water-bearing rocks during the preparation of an earthquake, (2) the formation of a rupture in the earthquake source and a change in the static stress state of water-bearing rocks, (3) dynamic deformation of water-bearing rocks under the vibration effect of seismic waves emitted from the earthquake source, and others. Detailed and long-term observations in wells, springs, and other water vents are necessary for a comprehensive study of the seismohydrogeological effects since strong earthquakes quite rarely occur in the same place.

The study of the groundwater responses to earthquakes makes it possible to characterize the properties of water-bearing rocks and their variations on various spatial and temporal scales, which contributes to the reliable management of water resources and the ecological state of the environment in seismically active regions. New ideas and models about the groundwater response to seismic processes will also contribute to ongoing work on hydrogeodynamic and hydrogeochemical anomalies for their use in earthquake prediction.

The planned Special Issue aims to present the state-of-the-art research on seismohydrogeological effects, with a special focus on:

a) systematic analysis of seismohydrogeological signals in groundwater changes on data of detailed observations and the creation of their models;

b) development of methods for assessing the quality of observational data in wells and other water vents for creating and testing models of earthquake effects in groundwater;

c) geophysical interpretation of the seismohydrogeological effects together with other seismological and non-seismological anomalies associated with the deformation of the earth's crust and seismic events;

d) statistical analysis of time series of hydrogeodynamic, gas-hydrogeochemical and isotopic parameters of groundwater to assess the spatio-temporal scales of seismohydrogeological effects against the impact of natural and technogenic processes;

e) assessment of the statistical significance hydrogeodynamic and hydrogeochemical earthquake precursors for earthquake prediction.

For this Special Issue, reviews devoted to the results of seismohydrogeological effects based on observational data in different seismically active regions and natural settings are welcome. A critical reassessment of such long-term data, combined with modern observational data, will make it possible to identify new promising areas of research on the seismic impact on groundwater and evaluate their practical significance.

Prof. Dr. Galina Kopylova
Dr. Svetlana Boldina
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • groundwater monitoring
  • earthquake
  • system "well - water-bearing rock"
  • seismohydrogeological effects
  • conceptual model
  • time series
  • earthquake precursors

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 5347 KiB  
Article
Cross-Correlation among Seismic Events, Rainfalls, and Carbon Dioxide Anomalies in Spring Water: Insights from Geochemical Monitoring in Northern Tuscany, Italy
by Lisa Pierotti, Cristiano Fidani, Gianluca Facca and Fabrizio Gherardi
Water 2024, 16(5), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16050739 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 594
Abstract
Variations in the CO2 dissolved in water springs have long been observed near the epicenters of moderate and strong earthquakes. In a recent work focused on data collected during the 2017–2021 period from a monitoring site in the Northern Apennines, Italy, we [...] Read more.
Variations in the CO2 dissolved in water springs have long been observed near the epicenters of moderate and strong earthquakes. In a recent work focused on data collected during the 2017–2021 period from a monitoring site in the Northern Apennines, Italy, we noticed a significant correlation between CO2 anomalies and moderate-to-weak seismic activity. Here, we extended this analysis by focusing on data collected from the same site during a different period (2010–2013) and by integrating the CENSUS method with an artificial neural network (ANN) in the already-tested protocol. As in our previous work, a fit of the computed residual CO2 distributions allowed us to evidence statistically relevant CO2 anomalies. Thus, we extended a test of the linear dependence of these anomalies to seismic events over a longer period by means of binary correlations. This new analysis also included strong seismic events. Depending on the method applied, we observed different time lags. Specifically, using the CENSUS methodology, we detected a CO2 anomaly one day ahead of the earthquake and another anomaly eleven days ahead. However, no anomaly was observed with the ANN methodology. We also investigated possible correlations between CO2 concentrations and rain events and between rain events and earthquakes, highlighting the occurrence of a CO2 anomaly one day after a rain event of at least 10 mm and no linear dependence of seismic and rain events. Similar to our previous work, we achieved a probability gain of around 4, which is the probably of earthquake increases after CO2 anomaly observations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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17 pages, 2677 KiB  
Article
Groundwater Hydraulics in Increased Spring Discharge following Earthquakes: Some Applications and Considerations
by Eugenio Sanz Pérez, Juan Carlos Mosquera-Feijóo, Joaquín Sanz de Ojeda and Pablo Rosas Rodrigo
Water 2024, 16(4), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16040520 - 06 Feb 2024
Viewed by 572
Abstract
Earthquakes often entail alterations in the groundwater flow regime, in the phreatic level, surges and losses of springs, and the discharge in brooks. A variety of theoretical approaches attempt to elucidate the post-earthquake effects on spring discharge. This study adopts a conceptual approach, [...] Read more.
Earthquakes often entail alterations in the groundwater flow regime, in the phreatic level, surges and losses of springs, and the discharge in brooks. A variety of theoretical approaches attempt to elucidate the post-earthquake effects on spring discharge. This study adopts a conceptual approach, primarily presenting diverse methods to estimate water released by earthquakes involving calculations of discharge surpluses in springs. This study delves into refined techniques rooted in groundwater hydraulics, displaying applications of analytical and simulation methodologies to quantify earthquake-induced groundwater discharge in springs. This research investigates springs as natural indicators and applies mathematical precipitation–runoff models, particularly the CREC model, to simulate hydrographs in post-earthquake scenarios. We apply analytical procedures or mathematical simulation techniques employed in groundwater hydraulics for natural aquifer recharge calculations. Firstly, we briefly describe the methods based on the analysis of depletion curves of hydrographs in spring discharge. Additionally, specific mathematical rainfall–runoff models used to simulate hydrographs of karstic springs, along with derived analytical approximations, are adapted for this scenario. These hydraulic calculations involve the depletion coefficient and hydrodynamic volumes of aquifers, parameters that reveal certain aspects of the relation between groundwater and earthquakes. Three main features are: (a) Acknowledging faults as the primary geological structures in transmitting pore pressures due to earthquakes. Thus, for large and deep faults, which connect the ground surface with the Earth’s crust bottom—where earthquakes trigger—the depletion coefficient, α, usually reaches high values (α = 0.1 days−1). Therefore, these faults become more sensitive to pore pressure than other lithologies. (b) Elucidating the mechanisms of permeability enhancement caused by earthquakes. (c) Highlighting the substantial volumes in motion within the Earth’s interior, which, for instance, could constitute a significant source for the origin of mineral deposits. Mathematical calculations enable the determination of the volume of mobilized water that can be discharged by gravity in each earthquake. This, along with its recurrence, justifies the substantial mineralization volumes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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23 pages, 5788 KiB  
Article
Comprehension of Seismic-Induced Groundwater Level Rise in Unsaturated Sandy Layer Based on Soil–Water–Air Coupled Finite Deformation Analysis
by Takahiro Yoshikawa and Toshihiro Noda
Water 2024, 16(3), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16030452 - 30 Jan 2024
Viewed by 550
Abstract
Immense liquefaction damage was observed in the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake. It was reported that, in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, the main shock oozed muddy water from the sandy ground and the aftershock which occurred 29 min after the main [...] Read more.
Immense liquefaction damage was observed in the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake. It was reported that, in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, the main shock oozed muddy water from the sandy ground and the aftershock which occurred 29 min after the main shock intensified the water spouting; thus, the aftershock expanded the liquefaction damage in the sandy ground. For comprehending such a phenomenon, using a soil–water–air coupled elastoplastic finite deformation analysis code, a rise in groundwater level induced by main shock is demonstrated, which may increase the potential of liquefaction damage during the aftershock. The authors wish to emphasize that these results cannot be obtained without soil–water–air coupled elastoplastic finite deformation analysis. This is because the rise in groundwater level is caused by the negative dilatancy behavior (plastic volume compression) of the saturated soil layer which supplies water to the upper unsaturated soil layer, and it is necessary to precisely calculate the settlement of ground and the amount of water drainage/absorption to investigate the groundwater level rise. This study provides insight into the mechanism of ground liquefaction during a series of earthquakes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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32 pages, 12845 KiB  
Article
Seismo-Hydrogeodynamic Effects in Groundwater Pressure Changes: A Case Study of the YuZ-5 Well on the Kamchatka Peninsula
by Galina Kopylova and Svetlana Boldina
Water 2023, 15(12), 2174; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15122174 - 08 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1185
Abstract
Seismo-hydrogeodynamic effects (SHGEs) in groundwater level (pressure) variations in a range of periods from minutes to hours and days during local and teleseismic earthquakes were considered based on the data of precision observations in a deep piezometric well located in a seismically active [...] Read more.
Seismo-hydrogeodynamic effects (SHGEs) in groundwater level (pressure) variations in a range of periods from minutes to hours and days during local and teleseismic earthquakes were considered based on the data of precision observations in a deep piezometric well located in a seismically active region. With the use of the tidal analysis and frequency dependence of the barometric response of the water level, a static confined response of groundwater pressure in a range of periods from hours to the first tens of days was established. The annual water level trend was characterized by the seasonal function of a hydrostatic head change in the well. In the groundwater pressure, changes were detected due to several types of seismo-hydrogeodynamic effects: 1—the coseismic fluctuations during the first tens of seconds and minutes after the arrival of seismic waves from the earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.3–9.1 at epicentral distances of 80–700 km; 2—the supposed hydrogeodynamic precursors of the two strongest events; 3—the four types of variations under the vibration impact of seismic waves from Mw = 6.8–9.1 earthquakes at epicentral distances of 80–14,600 km. The dependence of the distinguished types of SHGEs on the earthquake parameters, the intensity of the seismic impact in the well area and the amplitude-frequency composition of seismic waves were considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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20 pages, 5040 KiB  
Article
Characterisation of the Hydrogeological Properties of the Ntane Sandstone Aquifer Using Co-Seismic and Post-Seismic Groundwater Level Responses to the Mw 6.5 Moiyabana Earthquake, Central Botswana
by Tshepang Mmamorena Marema, Loago Molwalefhe and Elisha M. Shemang
Water 2023, 15(10), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15101947 - 21 May 2023
Viewed by 1364
Abstract
The 3 April 2017 Mw 6.5 Moiyabana earthquake (Central Botswana) had a significant impact on groundwater levels; a gradual co-seismic increase and a stepwise decline in groundwater levels were observed in response to the earthquake at boreholes MH2 and Z12836, respectively. In this [...] Read more.
The 3 April 2017 Mw 6.5 Moiyabana earthquake (Central Botswana) had a significant impact on groundwater levels; a gradual co-seismic increase and a stepwise decline in groundwater levels were observed in response to the earthquake at boreholes MH2 and Z12836, respectively. In this study, we investigated the response of groundwater levels to Earth tides by computing the amplitude and phase shift of the M2 tidal constituent to estimate the temporal variations of the storativity, transmissivity, and permeability of the Ntane sandstone aquifer (the main aquifer system) prior to and after the earthquake event. The storativity and permeability computed for borehole MH2 showed a decrease in magnitude of 3.17432 × 10−4 and 1.85 × 10−13 m2 respectively, indicating that strong ground shaking at borehole MH2 might have consolidated the aquifer material, thus resulting in decreased aquifer permeability. The aquifer coefficient of storativity decreased by 2.85 × 10−4 while permeability was enhanced by 0.047 × 10−13 m2 at borehole Z12836. Enhanced permeability might have resulted from increased/enhanced fracturing of the aquifer, fracture clearing and dynamic shaking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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15 pages, 5322 KiB  
Article
Reaction of the Underground Water to Seismic Impact from Industrial Explosions
by Ella Gorbunova, Alina Besedina, Sofia Petukhova and Dmitry Pavlov
Water 2023, 15(7), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071358 - 01 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1217
Abstract
A comprehensive monitoring at the territory of the Korobkovskoe and Lebedinskoe iron ore deposits of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly (KMA), which are developed using explosive technologies, has been carried out since July 2019 near the town of Gubkin (Belgorod Region, Russia). A unique [...] Read more.
A comprehensive monitoring at the territory of the Korobkovskoe and Lebedinskoe iron ore deposits of the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly (KMA), which are developed using explosive technologies, has been carried out since July 2019 near the town of Gubkin (Belgorod Region, Russia). A unique database of the responses of the system “reservoir–well” to short-delay explosions in a mine and a quarry has been formed with a sampling rate of 200 Hz on the basis of synchronous seismic, barometric, and precision hydrogeological measurements. The research object is groundwater in the zones of exogenous weathering and tectonic fracturing of the ore-crystalline basement of the Archean-Proterozoic. Processing hydrogeological responses to mass explosions in the mine and the quarry made it possible to indicate two types of water level response to seismic impact. In addition to coseismic variations in the pore pressure in the system “reservoir–well” for the first time postseismic hydrogeological effects were established during the exploitation of the iron ore deposits. The observed effects may have been caused by two mechanisms. The first mechanism is represented by the skin effect—a change in the permeability of a fluid-saturated reservoir in the near-wellbore space. The second one is the renewal of existing fracture systems and the formation of technogenic fractures in the zones of lithological-stratigraphic contacts and faults at the interface between weathered and relatively monolithic rocks. The subsequent decrease of the water level in the well is associated with the filling of the fractured zones with water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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26 pages, 7028 KiB  
Article
Changes in Tidal and Barometric Response of Groundwater during Earthquakes—A Review with Recommendations for Better Management of Groundwater Resources
by Chi-Yuen Wang and Michael Manga
Water 2023, 15(7), 1327; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071327 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1481
Abstract
The effects of earthquakes on groundwater and aquifer properties can be quantified and monitored using water-level changes produced by tides and barometric pressure. Tidal and barometric responses are particularly useful in evaluating the impacts of unexpected events, such as earthquakes, because the signals [...] Read more.
The effects of earthquakes on groundwater and aquifer properties can be quantified and monitored using water-level changes produced by tides and barometric pressure. Tidal and barometric responses are particularly useful in evaluating the impacts of unexpected events, such as earthquakes, because the signals are continuously generated and recorded over large areas of the Earth’s surface. The techniques for the extraction of tidal and barometric signals from the water-level time series are described in many excellent papers, here, we focus on reviewing the hydrogeologic interpretations of, and earthquake impacts on, these responses. We review how hydrogeology and earthquakes impact the groundwater response to Earth tides, and changes in barometric pressure and barometric tides. Next, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for earthquake-induced changes in aquifer confinement and permeability. We conclude with a summary of open questions and topics for future research, notably the value in long-term monitoring and analysis of the earthquake response at multiple tidal and barometric frequencies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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19 pages, 4048 KiB  
Article
Hydrogeological Responses to Distant Earthquakes in Aseismic Region
by Alina Besedina, Ella Gorbunova and Sofia Petukhova
Water 2023, 15(7), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15071322 - 28 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1177
Abstract
For the first time precise measurements of the groundwater level variations in the territory of the Mikhnevo geophysical observatory in an aseismic region (Moscow region, Russia) have been carried out since February 2008 at a sampling rate of 1 Hz. The groundwater level [...] Read more.
For the first time precise measurements of the groundwater level variations in the territory of the Mikhnevo geophysical observatory in an aseismic region (Moscow region, Russia) have been carried out since February 2008 at a sampling rate of 1 Hz. The groundwater level variations under quasi-stationary filtration are considered indicators of the dynamic deformation of a fluid-saturated reservoir represented by carbonate-terrigenous sediments. Both permanent (long-term) factors—atmospheric pressure, lunar-solar tides, and periodic (short-term) ones—seismic impacts from distant earthquakes, are used as probing signals for analyzing the filtration parameters of aquifers of different ages. Hydrogeological responses to the passage of seismic waves from earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.1–9.1 with epicentral distances of 1456–16,553 km was recorded in 2010–2023. Dependences of dynamic variations of the pore pressure in the upper weakly confined and lower confined aquifers on the ground velocity are approximated by different regression functions. Spectral analysis of hydrogeological responses made it possible to identify coseismic and postseismic effects from distant earthquakes. The postseismic effects in the form of an episodic increase in the pore pressure may be caused by a skin effect—clogging of microcracks nearby the wellbore by colloidal particles under intensive seismic impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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19 pages, 5981 KiB  
Article
Numerical Simulation and Characterization of the Hydromechanical Alterations at the Zafarraya Fault Due to the 1884 Andalusia Earthquake (Spain)
by Manuel Mudarra-Hernández, Juan Carlos Mosquera-Feijoo and Eugenio Sanz-Pérez
Water 2023, 15(5), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/w15050850 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1414
Abstract
The 1884 Andalusia Earthquake, with an estimated magnitude between 6.2 and 6.7, is one of the most destructive events that shook the Iberian Peninsula, causing around 1200 casualties. According to paleoseismology studies and intensity maps, the earthquake source relates to the normal Ventas [...] Read more.
The 1884 Andalusia Earthquake, with an estimated magnitude between 6.2 and 6.7, is one of the most destructive events that shook the Iberian Peninsula, causing around 1200 casualties. According to paleoseismology studies and intensity maps, the earthquake source relates to the normal Ventas de Zafarraya Fault (Granada, Spain). Diverse studies registered and later analyzed hydrological effects, such as landslides, rockfalls, soil liquefaction, all-around surge and loss of springs, alterations in the phreatic level, discharge in springs and brooks and well levels, along with changes in physical and chemical parameters of groundwater. Further insight into these phenomena found an interplay between hydromechanical processes and crust surface deformations, conditions, and properties. This study focuses on analyzing and simulating the features involved in the major 1884 event and aims at elucidating the mechanisms concerning the mentioned effects. This ex-post analysis builds on the qualitative effects and visible alterations registered by historical studies. It encompasses conceptual geological and kinematic models and a 2D finite element simulation to account for the processes undergone by the Zafarraya Fault. The study focuses on the variability of hydromechanical features and the time evolution of the ground pore–pressure distribution in both the preseismic and coseismic stages, matching some of the shreds of evidence found by field studies. This procedure has helped to shed light on the causal mechanisms and better understand some parameters of this historical earthquake, such as its hypocenter and magnitude. This methodology can be applied to other events registered in the National Catalogues of Earthquakes to achieve a deeper insight, further knowledge, and a better understanding of past earthquakes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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20 pages, 6537 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Gyeongju Earthquake on Observed Groundwater Levels at a Power Plant
by Eric Yee and Minjune Choi
Water 2022, 14(20), 3229; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14203229 - 13 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1607
Abstract
Groundwater levels at a power plant site were analyzed using statistical techniques to ascertain if there was any influence from an earthquake that occurred approximately 27 km away. This earthquake was the Mw 5.5 Gyeongju earthquake that occurred on 12 September 2016 at [...] Read more.
Groundwater levels at a power plant site were analyzed using statistical techniques to ascertain if there was any influence from an earthquake that occurred approximately 27 km away. This earthquake was the Mw 5.5 Gyeongju earthquake that occurred on 12 September 2016 at 11:32 UTC in South Korea. Groundwater levels at five groundwater monitoring wells were examined against the 2016 Gyeongju earthquake, local precipitation, and local tide levels. A visual examination of the groundwater monitoring well data suggested no real effect or influence from the earthquake. However, precipitation data implied a rise in groundwater levels. Cross-correlation analyses also showed no significant relationship between groundwater levels and the earthquake in question. Interestingly, three of the five groundwater monitoring wells suggested a low-to-moderate correlation between groundwater and tide levels while the remaining two groundwater monitoring wells showed a low-to-moderate correlation between groundwater levels and precipitation. Granger causality tests suggested a closer relationship between tide and groundwater levels for two of the wells, questionable results describing precipitation for another two wells, and no relationship with the earthquake for four of the wells. Data resolution plays an important role in the analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How Earthquakes Affect Groundwater)
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