The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS), a branch of the AER, is aware of a cluster of seismic events that occurred yesterday evening starting at 4:55pm, southeast of Peace River. Our initial investigation reveals an event at 5:55pm with a magnitude of 5.59 and a depth of approximately six kilometres. Due to the nature of earthquakes, we expect that aftershocks in this area are likely.
Scientists at the AGS use a network of approximately 50 seismic stations to measure and research seismic activity across Alberta. We utilize this information to form an accurate picture of earthquake locations, magnitudes and discern the nature of these events.
We are continuing to investigate and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Update: November 30 - 3:10 P.M.
The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS), a branch of the AER, continues to investigate yesterday’s seismic events which took place southeast of Peace River. Our dashboard has now been updated with a series of 14 events, which occurred over the past 24-hours. The largest of the events, which occurred at 5:55 p.m. local time, has been refined to a magnitude 5.58 and depth of 6 km. We are continuing to confirm the cause of these events, however initial findings point to natural tectonic activity. This initial finding was based on the following factors:
- There is no active hydraulic fracturing activity in the area
- While there are fluid disposal operations in the region, none are in the immediate vicinity of the seismic events, nor have there been changes in the rates of fluid disposal over the past year.
- The data we currently have is showing the events as occurring at greater depths than what we would expect in the case of an induced event
Yesterday’s events have been posted on the earthquake dashboard here.
We are continuing to investigate the events and will provide updated information as it becomes available.
