Reply to "Comment on 'Estimating the Maximum Magnitude of Induced Earthquakes in the Groningen Gas Field, the Netherlands' by Julian J. Bommer, Jan van Elk, and Mark D. Zoback" by Charles Vlek
File(s)
Author(s)
Bommer, Julian J
van Elk, Jan
Zoback, Mark D
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
In Bommer et al. (2024), we presented a critical review of the process through which the current logic tree for the maximum magnitude used in seismic hazard and risk calculations for induced earthquakes in Groningen was obtained. The article intended to initiate a discussion for which our premise is that the current maximum magnitude distribution may be excessively conservative, impacting both the quantitative risk assessment and the public and regulatory perception of risk. In his Comment, Vlek (2024b) misrepresents our article and makes inferences that have no basis in our article. He also puts forward numerous ideas, many of which have no connection to our article and others of which seem to reflect statements that we make, despite having recently published a discursive article on this very topic. There are several serious technical weaknesses in the comment, which we explain in this reply to minimize the confusion that the comment could create.
Date Issued
2025-04-01
Date Acceptance
2025-02-01
Citation
Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 2025, 115 (2), pp.715-720
ISSN
0037-1106
Publisher
Seismological Society of America
Start Page
715
End Page
720
Journal / Book Title
Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America
Volume
115
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
Copyright © Seismological Society of America. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Subjects
Geochemistry & Geophysics
LOGIC TREES
MODEL
Physical Sciences
RISK ANALYSIS
Science & Technology
SEISMIC HAZARD
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-02-14