7D (2018-2021): Lake-induced earthquakes in Lake Erie

• University of Michigan, United States of America

Lake-induced seismicity (LIS) has been reported at various locations globally. Such induced earthquakes are associated with reservoir impoundment and seasonal water-level variations. These earthquakes can pose an unexpected seismic risk to lakefront communities. For regions away from active tectonic boundaries, the relatively stable environment allows earthquake source processes to be investigated in a naturally controlled setting, where the water levels are well-monitored. However, mechanisms of LIS remain elusive despite their intellectual and social relevances. In particular, relationships between lake levels, fault configurations, and the local geology are poorly understood. Here we propose to investigate the seismic activities in the Lake Erie region. We hope to address: 1), how local seismicity respond to seasonally varying water levels? How do extreme weather events correlate with local seismicity? 2), how does the lake seismic zone respond to transient high strain episodes caused by passing high amplitude surface waves? 3), what are the differences between the lake-induced earthquakes and injection-induced earthquakes caused by oil and gas production? We request to deploy ten broadband seismograph sets to monitor Lake Erie seismicity for two years. The network will cover the west lakefront of Lake Erie from southern Michigan to northern Ohio with station spacing of ~15 km. Most of the stations are planned to be hosted by private landowners, e.g., farms. We do not expect unusual station sites. The project will be funded with university funding provided by University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Florida State University.

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