Work

Statistical Investigation of the 2020–2023 Micro-Seismicity in Enguri Area (Georgia)

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, we analyzed the microearthquake seismicity in the Enguri area (Georgia) recorded between 2020 and 2023 using a newly installed seismic network developed within the DAMAST project. The high sensitivity of the network allowed the detection of even very small seismic events, enabling a detailed investigation of the temporal dynamics of local seismicity. Statistical analyses suggest that the seismic activity around the Enguri Dam is influenced by a combination of natural tectonic processes and subtle reservoir-induced stress changes. While the dam does not appear to exert strong seismic forcing, the observed ≈7-month delay between water level variations and seismicity may indicate a triggering effect. Localized stress variations and temporal clustering further support the hypothesis that water level fluctuations modulate seismic activity. Additionally, the mild persistence in interoccurrence times is consistent with a stress accumulation and delayed triggering mechanism associated with reservoir loading.

Source: Geosciences

DOI: 10.3390/geosciences15070247

Authors: Luciano Telesca, Nino Tsereteli, Nazi Tugushi, Tamaz Chelidze

Institutions: CNR-IMIOT – Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Metodologie Integrate per l’Osservazione della Terra, National Research Council, Tbilisi State University, M. Nodia Institute of Geophysics

Language: English

Topic: earthquake and tectonic studies

Subfield: Geophysics

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172