Due to the earthquake occurring in the same fault zone with relatively similar geological structures, scientists are concerned that induced earthquakes in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province, may last for several years, similar to the induced earthquakes that occurred at the Song Tranh 2 Hydropower Plant in Quang Nam Province.
After two days (July 28-29) recording a total of 46 consecutive earthquakes, the seismic activity has shown signs of decreasing in the hot spot of Kon Plong, Kon Tum Province, since yesterday. However, experts state that this is merely a temporary lull before the next series of earthquakes may occur in this area, closely related to the water accumulation process of hydropower reservoirs.
Dak Tang Village, Dak Tang Commune, Kon Plong District, Kon Tum Province is the epicenter of the recent earthquakes. (Photo: TL)
According to Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Earthquake Reporting and Tsunami Warning Center, the activity of induced earthquakes is closely related to the water accumulation activities of reservoirs. However, further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of interaction and the relationship between water accumulation and induced earthquakes. “Today the reservoir is accumulating water, but the effects may manifest months later, or even years, as the water seeps down before it causes an earthquake,” Dr. Xuan Anh stated.
This expert also believes that the induced earthquakes in Kon Plong could last for many years, potentially up to 10 years, before stabilizing, similar to the induced earthquakes that occurred at the Song Tranh 2 hydropower plant in Quang Nam Province, as both areas lie on the Rào Quán – A Lưới fault zone and have similar geological structures on a metamorphic rock foundation.
In the area of the Song Tranh 2 hydropower plant, earthquakes began in 2012 and have persisted for more than 10 years with thousands of recorded tremors, recently showing signs of cessation. The largest earthquake recorded in this area was 4.7 magnitude, causing tremors over a wide area and disrupting the lives of local residents.
Continued Research
According to Associate Professor Dr. Cao Dinh Trieu, the largest induced earthquake recorded in Kon Tum was 5.0 magnitude, while at the Song Tranh 2 hydropower plant it was 4.7 magnitude. This indicates that the induced earthquakes in the Kon Tum area may be more complex. This expert explains that, in addition to the activity of the fault zone and the geological structure in the area, the induced earthquake activity is also influenced by the scale of the reservoir.
The larger the reservoir, the more frequent the water accumulation activities will lead to stronger and longer-lasting induced earthquakes. Associate Professor Trieu noted that along the same Rào Quán – A Lưới fault zone, induced earthquakes have also occurred at the Dak Drinh hydropower plant in Quang Ngai, but due to the smaller scale of the reservoir, the duration of induced earthquakes was shorter, and the magnitude was also less. Associate Professor Trieu believes that more in-depth studies are needed to better clarify the activities of the fault zone, the geological structure in the area, and the impact of water accumulation on earthquakes in this region.
Scientists from the Institute of Geophysics assert that the earthquakes in Kon Plong District, Kon Tum are induced by the reservoir. However, to confirm the cause of the earthquakes and establish a basis for predicting future earthquake trends and intensities, in order to assess potential damage to civil and hydropower structures, detailed surveys, monitoring, and research on tectonic geology and seismic regimes in Kon Tum and neighboring areas are necessary.
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh stated that the Institute of Geophysics has completed the earthquake monitoring system in this area with 11 stations. The research project on induced earthquakes in the area has also been approved and is currently underway. This will serve as a foundation for further clarifying issues related to induced earthquakes in this area in the near future.
| According to Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, earthquakes will continue to occur in this area, potentially affecting the lives of local residents as well as critical infrastructure, especially in the epicenter region. Therefore, local authorities and relevant agencies need to assess damage, review vulnerable structures at risk, and propose safety measures. Additionally, they should devise earthquake-resistant designs for buildings and homes, as well as promote earthquake preparedness skills among the population. Dr. Xuan Anh indicated that the Institute of Geophysics will continue to survey, monitor, and conduct detailed research on tectonic geology and seismic regimes in Kon Tum and surrounding areas, while promptly notifying authorities and residents about earthquakes. |
