Kim Hatfield, OIPA induced-seismicity workgroup chairman, explained that seismologists believe as little as a 1.5 pounds per square inch (psi) change in the correct place and conditions can induce a quake. On the flip side, he said, an increase of hundreds of psi may not generate a quake under different scenarios.

The pressure transducer can detect fluctuations as slight as .08 psi, Hatfield said. For example, its extreme sensitivity can detect the subtle influences of tidal forces generated by the sun and moon on underground bodies of water.

“That gives you an idea how accurate these sensors are,” Hatfield said.

The disposal well shown to a handful of reporters on Wednesday by OGS and OIPA officials is owned by SandRidge. As part of an agreement in January to end a dispute with state regulators, SandRidge agreed to donate five wells to be used for this study, rendering them inactive.

Experts on hand explained that, when active, the well would dispose of wastewater into the Arbuckle formation at depths between about 6,000 and 8,000 feet. Water is at a depth of about 370 feet in the well because of natural pressures. Hatfield said every foot of depth equates to a pressure of about a half psi, or in other words, a single psi is about two feet of water.