Which mechanism increases earthquake frequency following large-scale reservoir impoundment near active fault lines?

💡 Explanation

When a reservoir is impounded, increased water pressure raises pore water pressure along fault lines, which reduces effective stress because it counteracts the clamping force on the fault, thereby increasing the likelihood of slippage and inducing earthquakes. Therefore, increased effective stress on faults causes increased earthquake risks, instead of pore pressure decreasing effect on tectonic compression, and/or enhanced fault lubrication.

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