U.S. government scientists have identified 17 areas in eight states that have seen an increase in earthquakes triggered by human practices.

Earthquake activity in the central and eastern United States has increased significantly since 2009 and this has been linked to the disposal of oil and gas wastewater by injecting it into deep wells.

The new report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) offers a comprehensive assessment of the hazard levels associated with induced earthquakes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma and Texas.