Groundwater Pumping, Land Subsidence and Seismicity

Abstract

The often neglected issue of seismicity caused due to over pumping of groundwater has been receiving due attention in the recent times. In the past decade, research on human‐induced earthquakes has become a focal point of sociopolitical and scientific issues. The basic tenet of such research is that the crustal (un‐) loading processes can influence strain accumulation process, and as a result of which, can modulate seismic activity beneath the causative source and in its peripheral zone. In most cases the world over, including the Indo‐Gangetic plains of India, groundwater pumping and usage exceeds replenishment of aquifers, leading to substantial reduction in the mass. Such anthropogenic crustal unloading has the potential to promote long‐term fault slip or may modulate seismic activity in the adjoining region. The groundwater withdrawal leading to crustal unloading in the Indo-Gangetic plains causes a significant component of horizontal compression. Although there are a number of different views on the issue, it is envisaged that the discussion presented here of such events emphasizes the importance of the seismic safety of various structures in areas where groundwater pumping is rampant, while promoting further research on the subject.