Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.17, No.4, pp. 473-480, 1994

©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press, Ltd.

EARTHQUAKE RECURRENCE IN KUWAIT INDUCED
BY OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION

F. Bou-Rabee*

* Kuwait University, Geology Department, PO Box 5969, Safat 13060, Kuwait

Abstract

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake which occurred on June 2, 1993 in the vicinity of the Minagish/Umm Gudair oilfields in Kuwait was a complete surprise. It was felt over an area of about 2,500 sq. km, and the main shock was followed two days later by an aftershock with a magnitude of 3.2. Five earthquakes are known to have occurred between 1975 and 1977 in this area, but there had been no previously reported seismic activity. In Kuwait, seismic hazards could result from excessive fluid withdrawal, fluid injection, intraplate seismicity within the Arabian Plate, or from the effects of large earthquakes along the Zagros Belt. Sinkholes have been reported to form as a consequence of fluid-withdrawal related subsidence. The spatial correlation between recent, moderate sized earthquakes and operating oilfields suggests that the current seismicity may be related to oil production. It is proposed that a permanent seismic network in Kuwait be established, to monitor and evaluate seismic hazards, and predict damaging earthquake events.