Gas drilling () by Shell and ExxonMobil in Groningen gas field (the Netherlands) causing destructive earthquakes.

Gas drilling has similarities with fracking, also causing shallow earthquakes.

About this animation

This animation tries to show the quakes in Groningen via two ways: visually (red dots). The bigger the quake, the bigger the dot. And via sound: every beep represents a quake and the higher the beep, the heavier the quake.

IF a quake is above 3.4 a hotel bell rings, and also this will be noted in the time line.

Background

On May 29, 1959 the NAM (= Shell and ExxonMobil) discovered the first Groningen gas in Kolham (Slochteren, the Netherlands / Holland). The Groningen field covers an area of approximately 900 km2, lies at a depth of 3,000 m and the thickness of the gas-containing layer is about 100 meters. Here you will find information about the earthquakes in Groningen . Since about 2012 the earthquakes caused by the gas exploitation increase in number and strength. The epicenter of all shocks is at about Loppersum and Huizinge. The expectation is that the quakes will get stronger.