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Northern California’s Geysers Geothermal Field Shaken by Over 130 Quakes

USGS attributes the swarm to stresses from steam extraction followed by water reinjection at the geothermal field

Overview

  • Since just after midnight on August 14, at least 131 earthquakes have struck near The Geysers, with the largest measuring magnitude 4.0.
  • Seismologists have documented over 85 aftershocks concentrated at depths of 2–4 kilometers consistent with the geothermal reservoir.
  • USGS scientists describe the activity as a swarming sequence and warn that disturbing local faults raises the odds of more tremors.
  • Nearby residents reported light shaking and no significant damage or injuries have been recorded.
  • The Geysers field’s long history of induced seismicity stems from steam extraction and water reinjection while major regional faults remain the primary long-term hazard.