Can earthquakes result in CO2 leakage?
In general, CO2 will not be stored in areas where earthquakes are likely to occur. But even if an earthquake should occur at a CO2 storage site, research projects have shown that the CO2 will most likely not leak. Remember that oil and natural gas do not necessarily leak out of their reservoirs if there is an earthquake. What are the consequences if CO2 leaks? The consequence of a CO2 leak is first of all a new source of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere that will contribute to global warming. If a burst out of large volumes of CO2 should occur, which is nearly impossible, the CO2 could displace the oxygen that we need to breathe, and that would be lethal. If a leak should occur it will most likely be a small seep of CO2 leaking out at a low rate. That will not have any effect on human life. There are many natural seeps of CO2 several places around the world, and they do not harm us at all. However, the local ecosystems close to the leak could be altered. Can CO2 explode and burn? No tha
CO2 will not be stored in areas where earthquakes are likely to occur. But even if an earthquake should occur at a CO2 storage site, research projects have shown that the CO2 will most likely not leak. There are many underground geological formations near earthquake zones that have experienced countless, large earthquakes over many thousands of years and not released oil or gas from these areas in any capacity. Remember that oil and natural gas do not necessarily leak out of their reservoirs if there is an earthquake.
