How does the oil production activity in Texas affect its land?
According to a new study, decades of such activities are leading to continuous and alarming rates of ground movement.
Ground Movement
The two infamous sinkholes may just be the beginning of the ground movement in Texas. The analysis of radar satellite images shows that there may be more ground movement on the way, and it's happening at an alarming rate.
With the help of satellite images from the European Space Agency and oil activity data from the Railroad Commission of Texas, a research pair from the Southern Methodist University found significant ground movement that goes far beyond the sinkhole. It adds to the team's previous report, showing that the two sinkholes are growing and that new ones are already beginning to form.
As a matter of fact, the researcher's analysis of the images revealed significant ground movement in a 4,000-square-mile area that has roadways, small towns, storage tanks, as well as oil and gas pipelines.
Specifically, the researchers observed signs of major sinking and uplifting in four counties in the region. However, researchers believe that if they look beyond the region, they will likely find more of such movements.
