Frost Quakes Explained The Science Behind the Loud Startling Noises This Winter

Recently, many people across central Illinois and Missouri have been hearing a loud, booming sound coming from the ground. While it might seem like an earthquake or even the sound of thunder from the sky, experts have confirmed that what people are likely experiencing is something called a frost quake.

Also known as ice quakes or cryoseisms, frost quakes occur when groundwater, which has seeped into underground rock areas, freezes due to rapidly dropping temperatures. As the water freezes, it expands, creating enough pressure to crack the rocks beneath the surface. This sudden release of pressure results in a loud noise — sometimes loud enough to shake nearby buildings.

Ed Shimon, a warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Lincoln, explained that frost quakes aren’t very common in central Illinois. This is mainly because the region typically doesn’t experience temperatures cold enough for frost quakes to occur. However, when specific conditions align, frost quakes can happen, and residents might hear a loud snap or booming sound.

How Do Frost Quakes Happen?

For a frost quake to happen, certain conditions need to be in place. According to Shimon, there needs to be moisture in the soil, usually from a recent rain, followed by rapid freezing temperatures, often sub-zero cold. When the groundwater freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the rocks beneath. The pressure becomes so intense that the rocks fracture and break, producing a loud noise — this is the frost quake.

In the past week, many residents in Illinois and Missouri have reported hearing unexplained loud noises. Some people even claimed that the noise caused their houses to shake. These reports have been flooding social media, making people wonder if they are experiencing something like an earthquake.

Are Frost Quakes Dangerous?

Despite their startling nature, frost quakes are generally harmless to people and animals. The noises they make may be loud, but the physical impact is usually minimal. Shimon explained that the most damage caused by frost quakes is usually minor, like slight cracks in a building’s foundation, which could lead to water seeping in.

“The ground does move as the rock below cracks or pops and bursts under the pressure of water,” said Shimon. “It’s just a matter of how close the event happens to a particular home.”

Even though frost quakes may sound alarming, they pose no significant threat to people. The noise may be unsettling, but the physical effects on the ground are generally quite limited, and in most cases, people can continue with their daily lives without worry.

Why Are Frost Quakes Happening Now?

The recent reports of frost quakes have coincided with a period of extremely cold weather. Central Illinois, along with other parts of the Midwest, has been experiencing rapid temperature drops. When the ground was already wet from recent rains, the temperatures plunged, creating perfect conditions for frost quakes to occur. These conditions have led to the occurrence of these mysterious noises, which have been causing concern among residents.

Interestingly, frost quakes are not something that happen every winter. In fact, these conditions only align about once every 10 years in central Illinois. Therefore, while they might sound dramatic and unsettling, frost quakes are quite rare in this region.

What Happens Next?

For those worried about frost quakes, there’s no need for concern. Shimon has reassured residents that the phenomenon will likely stop soon. Starting Saturday, warmer temperatures are expected to move into the region, which will gradually reduce the layer of frost that is necessary for frost quakes to occur. As temperatures rise, the ground will begin to thaw, and the conditions that lead to frost quakes will disappear.

In fact, the National Weather Service has predicted highs in the lower to mid-40s for the coming Monday and Tuesday, which should bring an end to the frost quake activity for this winter season.

Conclusion

While frost quakes might sound scary, they are entirely natural and harmless events. Though the loud noises can be alarming, there is no need to panic. Meteorologists assure that frost quakes are unlikely to cause any significant damage, and warmer temperatures should put an end to them in the coming days.

If you’ve been hearing these booming sounds recently, now you know it’s just nature’s way of reminding us of the power of winter’s freezing temperatures. So, sit back, relax, and let the frost quakes fade into history until the next time the weather conditions align for this rare event.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

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