An unusual scientific experiment has been conducted in the Swiss Alps, where researchers have managed to trigger thousands of microscopic earthquakes deep underground, in an attempt to better understand how natural earthquakes form. The experiment was carried out by researchers from ETH Zurich, who injected around 750,000 liters of groundwater through two wells over 50 hours, with the aim of activating geological fractures.

According to the research team, the process resulted in about 8,000 microscopic earthquakes, which were recorded by sensors placed in the area. Although the seismic activity was deliberately created, the researchers emphasize that it remained very small and was not felt at the surface, causing no damage.

"Although few seismic events occurred in the target area, a large number were recorded in neighboring geological structures activated by fluid injection," the researchers explained.

The experiment, called FEAR-2, was carried out as part of the BedrettoLab program, with the aim of studying the mechanisms that lead to the creation of earthquakes and improving scientific understanding of processes deep within the Earth. Professor Domenico Giardini, one of the project leaders, said that controlling how earthquakes form could help understand and perhaps prevent them in the future.

“If we can understand how earthquakes of a certain size are produced, then we will also know how to avoid them,” he said. The researchers emphasize that the level of vibrations recorded was thousands of times lower than safety limits and far from any level that could be perceived by humans or cause damage. The experiment also included strict safety measures, with remote control of the injection process and continuous monitoring of seismic activity through a dense network of sensors. According to the scientists, this study could help not only in understanding natural earthquakes, but also in developing geothermal energy as a clean energy source.