![\"quakeresearch_WEB\"](\"http:\/\/stateimpact.npr.org\/oklahoma\/files\/2015\/05\/quakeresearch_WEB1.jpg\")
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Scientists say oil and gas activity is likely responsible for much of the earthquake activity that has surged<\/a> in Oklahoma since 2009.<\/p> Seismologists, regulators, lawmakers, oil industry experts and everyday Oklahomans trying to understand the earthquake phenomenon \u2014 known as \u201cinduced seismicity<\/a>\u201d \u2014 face two seemingly contradictory observations: Oklahoma has a long history of oil and gas production, and the recent period of increased earthquake activity is comparatively short.<\/p> Oklahoma\u2019s earthquake uptick is the central focus of a growing number of scientific papers, and researchers say a better understanding of the quakes and their links to disposal wells is key to identifying and managing suspected oil and gas-related quakes in other states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio and Texas.<\/p> Researchers are also curious why induced earthquakes don\u2019t appear to be plaguing other major oil and gas states, like North Dakota.<\/p> If you want to take a deep dive into the science linking Oklahoma\u2019s earthquakes to oil and gas activity, we\u2019ve compiled a reading list of peer-reviewed papers published in scientific journals.<\/p> Below you\u2019ll find our reading guide, which includes the name, date and publication source \u2014 and an excerpt from the abstract. You can follow the link to read more, but it\u2019s important to note that access to the full text of many of the papers requires a purchase or subscription to the publication.<\/p> We\u2019ll update this list as new research is published.<\/p>