Estudo da sismicidade na barragem do Açu no período de 2012 a 2013

Abstract

The seismic activity in the Northeastern of Brazil has been a constant target of study, since it is the most active region of the country. However, some areas have their earthquakes related to human action, what means they are induced. The Açu dam is a classic example of reservoir-induced seismicity and it has been the subject of several studies. Recently, after a considerable period of inactivity, the LabSis / UFRN recorded events related to the dam, which led to the installation of a network around the reservoir. From the data provided by this network, it was observed that the seismic activity is related to a new epicental area inside the lake. The epicentral parameters and the focal mechanism were determined. It was found that the events were related to the reactivation of a basement structure in a new seismogenic subvertical fault with NE-SW-striking subparallel to the São Rafael Fault. These results were used in the preparation of a scientific paper, which discussed the relationship between this seismicity with the geology of the region and with the reservoir water level. The paper showed that the diffusion of pore pressure was the main mechanism that controlled the triggering of the induced seismicity at the reservoir.