Advances in the identification of reservoir-induced earthquakes

Abstract Due to the construction of large hydropower stations and the impoundment of reservoirs, the earthquakes occurred in or around the reservoir area are called reservoir-induced earthquakes, which have the characteristics of low magnitude, shallow source and high intensity. The construction of large reservoirs plays an important role in promoting the local economic development, improving the water conditions of the people and affecting people’s life and property. Therefore, the identification, prediction and judgment of reservoir induced earthquake is an important technical support to ensure the construction and operation safety of hydropower stations. Over the years, many scientific and technological personnel have carried out active and large amount of research. This paper reviews and sorts out the macroscopic identification of reservoir induced earthquakes, including the mechanism of reservoir induced earthquakes, the cases of reservoir induced earthquakes, and the identification of reservoir induced earthquakes. Some problems and future research directions of reservoir induced earthquakes are discussed.