Seismicity induced by hydrocarbon exploration is observed mainly in the northern part of The Netherlands, where we find besides several smaller gas reservoirs also the Groningen reservoir one of the world's largest gas reservoirs containing a reserve lasting at least several decades. The induced events are characterized by shallow, small events occurring in or in the close vicinity of exploration fields. Since 1986 the Dutch seismological monitoring network of the KNMI has been observing induced events. Occasionally earthquakes up to ML = 3.5 have caused minor damage (such as cracks in buildings), more often the felt events are of general annoyance to the local population. Since January 1, 2003, the new Dutch mining legislation requires for each concession a hazard analysis and monitoring plan. Within the context of this new mining law we have been estimating site-specific engineering hazard parameters, i.e. ground motions that can be associated to specific risks. Up to now only general hazard estimates were available, i.e. maximum possible earthquake and maximum possible Intensity.

• Eck, T. van, F.H. Goutbeek, H.W. Haak and B. Dost, Seismic hazard due to small-magnitude, shallow-source, induced earthquakes in the Netherlands. Engineering Geology, 2006, 87, 105-121, doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2006.06.005
• Eck, T. van, F.H. Goutbeek and B. Dost, Site specific hazard estimates for the NUON energy plant in the Eemshaven KNMI publication: IR-2007-02, 15/3/2007, pp17.
• Eck, T. van, F.H. Goutbeek and B. Dost, Site specific hazard estimates for the LNG energy plant in the Europoort area KNMI publication: IR-2008-01, 5/3/2008, pp16.