Estimating the maximum magnitude of induced earthquakes in the Groningen gas field, the Netherlands; reply

In Bommer et al. (2024), we presented a critical review of the process through which the current logic tree for the maximum magnitude used in seismic hazard and risk calculations for induced earthquakes in Groningen was obtained. The article intended to initiate a discussion for which our premise is that the current maximum magnitude distribution may be excessively conservative, impacting both the quantitative risk assessment and the public and regulatory perception of risk. In his Comment, Vlek (2024b) misrepresents our article and makes inferences that have no basis in our article. He also puts forward numerous ideas, many of which have no connection to our article and others of which seem to reflect statements that we make, despite having recently published a discursive article on this very topic. There are several serious technical weaknesses in the comment, which we explain in this reply to minimize the confusion that the comment could create.