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A modeling analysis is used to investigate the relative susceptibility of various hydrogeologic configurations to aseismic rupture generation due to deformation of aquifer systems accompanying groundwater pumping. An advanced numerical model (GEPS3D) is used to simulate rupture generation and propagation for three typical processes: (i) reactivation of a preexisting fault, (ii) differential compaction due to variations in thickness of aquifer/aquitard layers constituting the aquifer system, and (iii) tensile fracturing above a bedrock ridge that forms the base of the aquifer system. A sensitivity analysis is developed to address the relative importance of various factors, including aquifer depletion, aquifer thickness, the possible uneven distribution and depth below land surface of the aquifer/aquitard layers susceptible to aquifer‐system compaction, and the height of bedrock ridges beneath the aquifer system which contributes to thinning of the aquifer system. The rupture evolution is classified in two occurrences. In one, the rupture develops at either the top of the aquifer or at land surface and does not propagate. In the other, the developed rupture propagates from the aquifer top toward the land surface and/or from the land surface downward. The aquifer depth is the most important factor controlling rupture evolution. Specifically, the probability of a significant rupture propagation is higher when the aquifer top is near land surface. The numerical results are processed by a statistical regression analysis to provide a general methodology for a preliminary evaluation of possible ruptures development in exploited aquifer systems susceptible to compaction and accompanying land subsidence. A comparison with a few representative case studies in Arizona, USA, China, and Mexico supports the study outcomes. Key Points: The factors controlling ground rupture generation accompanying groundwater pumping have been investigated by an advanced numerical modelThe rupture evolution is classified in two occurrences: a first where the rupture remains limited at depth and land surface and a second where the rupture propagates verticallyA multivariate analysis of the model outcomes provides a general methodology for a preliminary evaluation of possible rupture development [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a research report conducted on the earth fault activation and fissure generation because of subsurface fluid exploitation through its mechanism, modelling and monitoring. It states on the understanding of the land subsidence, geomechanical mechanisms and ground ruptures that impacts the development of urban settlements. The fissure and faults are the results of agricultural and economic activities.

Regional aquifer-system compaction and land subsidence accompanying groundwater abstraction in susceptible aquifer systems in the USA is a challenge for managing groundwater resources and mitigating associated hazards. Developments in the assessment of regional subsidence provide more information to constrain analyses and simulation of aquifer-system compaction. Current popular approaches to simulating vertical aquifer-system deformation (compaction), such as those embodied in the aquitard drainage model and the MODFLOW subsidence packages, have proven useful from the perspective of regional groundwater resources assessment. However, these approaches inadequately address related local-scale hazards-ground ruptures and damages to engineered structures on the land surface arising from tensional stresses and strains accompanying groundwater abstraction. This paper presents a brief overview of the general approaches taken by the U.S. Geological Survey toward understanding aquifer-system compaction and subsidence with regard to a) identifying the affected aquifer systems; b) making regional assessments; c) analyzing the governing processes; and d) simulating historical and future groundwater flow and subsidence conditions. Limitations and shortcomings of these approaches, as well as future challenges also are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analyzes the land subsidence in Las Vegas, Nevada, using data from spacerborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar. Spatial extent of the subsidence; Subsidence rates; Factors behind the subsidence; Seasonal subsidence and uplift patterns.

The article presents the discussion on global population facing a high probability of land subsidence. Topics include natural or anthropogenic triggers resulting from solid or fluid mobilization underground; reducing aquifer-system storage capacity, causing earth fissures, damaging buildings, and civil infrastructure; and raising awareness and informing decision-making by evaluating potential global subsidence due to groundwater depletion.