Kuchment (2016) obtained her information from the Historical Review of Induced Earthquakes in Texas journal article from Seismological Research Letters Journal.
The journal article is a peer-reviewed scientific journal that the Seismological Society of America publishes. Their objectives include to research seismology, collaborate with global geoscience organizations and to provide seismology information to journalists, educators and policymakers.
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Part 2
Information found in the news article is not different from the information found in other unbiased sources. For example information about wastewater disposal is the main trigger of seismic activity is supported both by the USGS (n.d), Frohlich et al. (2016) and Garda (2014). The statistics provided in the news article also march the data found in other unbiased sources. For instance, the increase in the number of earthquakes from 2 per year to 12 per year is credible (Frohlich et al., 2016).
What I learned from the article is different from my previous thoughts. For example, I initially thought that hydro-fracturing induced earthquakes, but, now I understand that wastewater disposal is the main earthquake trigger. The American public would agree with reported findings in the news article because the author supports her views with evidence from other credible sources such as the USGS (USGS, n.d).
Part 3
Information from other scientific sources supports the author’s evidence. For example, the USGS (n.d) stresses that wastewater disposal is the main earthquake trigger; Frohlich et al. (2016) conclude that there is a high correlation between wastewater disposal and inducement of earthquakes both in Oklahoma and in Texas.
The author did not include any scientist who disagreed. There were several scientists who disagreed with the premise of the news article. For example, Michael Smith, a geologist consultant states that the public is only overreacting while Jack Dake, a land manager, argues that while studies demonstrate that there is a correlation, they do not show causation given that other major earthquakes around the world are related to those in Oklahoma even though they are not associated with wastewater disposal (Garda, 2014).
The news article author uses some expressions to indicate that wastewater disposal to be the cause of earthquakes without supporting the information with scientific sources. for instance, the author says, “Studies by academic scientists and those at the USGS have shown that…wastewater injections have disturbed faults in…states, creating earthquakes ” (Kuchment, 2016).
Part 4
Evidence suggests that wastewater disposal is correlated with the occurrence of earthquakes. For example, high-pressure injection of wastewater into deep wells disturbs existing fault lines, which can trigger an earthquake (USGS, n.d).
A large observation sample dating back to 1925 was used as evidence. For example, the Goose Creek earthquake in 1925 and earthquakes that occurred between 2008 and 2015 was observed (Frohlich et al., 2016).
The evidence in the scientific literature supports the newspaper article author’s claims. For example, the claim about the production of salt water during oil extraction is supported by USGS (USGS, n.d).
Part 5
The Standard Times newspaper is reliable and can be used to search for accurate and credible scientific research information to inform the public regarding sensitive scientific themes like fracking because the author, in the current issue, uses scientific evidence and information from trustworthy sources to support different claims. For instance, the author uses scientific studies (Frohlich et al., 2016) and information from a government agency (USGS).
The two questions that I could ask include:
Since there is an established correlation between wastewater disposal and the occurrence of earthquakes, what do you suggest should be done next?
Is there an alternative to the way wastewater should be disposed of without any substantial adverse effect?
References
Frohlich, C., Deshon, H., Stump, B., Hayward, C., Hornbach, M., & Walter, J. I. (2016). A Historical Review of Induced Earthquakes in Texas. Seismological Research Letters, 87 (4), 1022-1038. doi:10.1785/0220160016
Garda, I. (2014, September 17). Retrieved May 24, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2ky6NkwzUk&feature=youtu.be
Kuchment, A. (2016, May 21). Fracking activities caused majority of recent Texas quakes Retrieved May 23, 2018, from http://archive.gosanangelo.com/news/state/Fracking- related-activities-have-caused-majority-of-recent-Texas-earthquakes-study-finds- 380376631.html/
USGS. (n.d.). Induced Earthquakes. Retrieved May 24, 2018, from https://earthquake.usgs.gov/research/induced/myths.php
