Streamflow and Water Well Responses to Earthquakes

Earthquake-induced crustal deformation and ground shaking can alter stream flow and water levels in wells through consolidation of surficial deposits, fracturing of solid rocks, aquifer deformation, and the clearing of fracture-filling material. Although local conditions affect the type and amplitud...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 2003-06, Vol.300 (5628), p.2047-2049
Main Authors:	Montgomery, David R., Manga, Michael
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Aquifers Earth sciences Earth, ocean, space Earthquakes Earthquakes, seismology Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics Environmental impact Exact sciences and technology Feedback (Response) Freshwater Groundwater Groundwater level Hydrogeology Hydrology Internal geophysics Liquefaction Natural hazards: prediction, damages, etc Review Seismic waves Seismology Stream flow Topography Water Water pressure Water tables Water, Underground Waterways
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Summary:	Earthquake-induced crustal deformation and ground shaking can alter stream flow and water levels in wells through consolidation of surficial deposits, fracturing of solid rocks, aquifer deformation, and the clearing of fracture-filling material. Although local conditions affect the type and amplitude of response, a compilation of reported observations of hydrological response to earthquakes indicates that the maximum distance to which changes in stream flow and water levels in wells have been reported is related to earthquake magnitude. Detectable streamflow changes occur in areas within tens to hundreds of kilometers of the epicenter, whereas changes in groundwater levels in wells can occur hundreds to thousands of kilometers from earthquake epicenters.
ISSN:	0036-8075 1095-9203