Frost Quakes

As temperatures begin dropping with the approach of the cold weather months, in many parts of the world a rare, natural phenomenon may begin to occur. Characterized by sudden, loud rumbling or “booms” accompanied by ground shaking, it often leaves those who have experienced it confused, or even badly frightened.

“Frost quakes,” also known as cryoseisms, are a natural phenomenon that occurs when extremely cold temperatures lead to sudden deep freezing of the ground, after it has been saturated with water. The Vermont Geological Survey defines a cryoseism as, “[a] major frost cracking of the top few feet of the ground, occurring during sub-zero cold snaps, which generates localized ground shaking and is often mistaken for an earthquake.” (1) Expansion that results during the process of freezing can lead to the buildup of explosive stress, which may result in fractures within the earth. Small cracks may be visible on the surface near where a cryoseism has occurred, and in some cases, shaking vibrations may also be felt within the vicinity of the frost quake, along with loud booms that sound similar to gunfire. (2)

History

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) reported that the winter of 2013-2014 ranked among the coldest on record, particularly in parts of the American midwest. (3) The following year, more record cold temperatures began to occur in November of 2014, as a result of early-season arctic air and snow. (4) These recent temperature drops coincided with an increase in reports of loud noises of unexplained origin, as well as what some believed to be small earthquakes, which were being reported across the country.

Often described as loud booms similar to the sound of an explosion nearby, reports of these “mystery booms” were frequently shared and discussed through social media sites. Numerous media outlets featured the stories as well, which helped spur interest in the potential causes of the phenomena.

Despite the new attention this phenomenon has recieved, cryoseisms have been recognized as a geological phenomenon for many years, and significant data about their occurrences and underlying causes has existed for a number of decades. (5) Some sources suggest that among the variety of causes for tremors, geocryological causes were suspected by as early as 1818. (6) However, the record cold temperatures associated with the winters since 2013 have led to significant interest in the subject, leading some to speculate that a correlation may exist between reports of loud “booms”, frost quakes, and climate change. Previous scientific data has already suggested that reports concerning a related phenomenon (see below) may be increasing along with rising temperatures around the world. (7)

Sudden movements or shifts in glacial formations are linked to another variety of cryoseism, which have been called “ice quakes”. These similar, but very distinct phenomena were first revealed through the detection of low-frequency seismic signals, appearing mostly during summer months, which geophysicists traced to the movement of glaciers in Greenland. (7)

Sounds associated with frost quakes

It has been suggested that at least a fair majority of “mystery booms” reported in cold weather months are the likely result of cryoseisms, though in some cases, other explanations have included sounds produced by aircraft, military weapons tests, and even recreational use of fireworks. Alternatives such as these remain prevalent in various media appearing online, due to continued reports of unexplained noises that linger beyond the cold weather months in various locations. For more information about unexplained sounds that may not be related to cryoseisms, visit this link.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are some locations or regions more likely to experience frost quakes than others?

Yes, some locations may be more likely to experience a frost quake, and this is based on a variety of factors. Generally, regions further north, where sub-zero temperature drops are common, may be more likely to experience a sudden freeze conducive to a cryoseism. However, any location that meets the criteria for extreme temperature lows following saturation of the ground with water may yield reports of frost quakes.

Based on data from collected reports beginning in December 2013, parts of south eastern Canada may experience the greatest density of possible frost quake incidents, with concentrations occurring around the Great Lakes, as well as the cities of Montreal and Ottawa. (8) Reports in the US are prevalent in the Midwest and Northeastern United States, with Michigan, as well as southern Indiana and western Ohio, ranking among US states where concentrations of frost quake reports exist. (8) Other reports have been documented in states that include New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, and Connecticut. (9)

In theory, regions elsewhere around the globe with environmental conditions similar to those locations listed above may also see a concentration of incident reports.

When are frost quakes likely to occur?

According to the Maine Geological Survey, “Cryoseisms typically occur between midnight and dawn, during the coldest part of the night.” (9) Frost quakes are generally expected to occur within 3 or 4 hours after a significant temperature drop, usually when temperatures approach -4 F. (10) Frost quakes are most often reported along with the first “cold snap” of the year; a likely cause may be that this period occurs prior to the significant accumulation of snow, which can help insulate the ground, especially during the later winter months.

Are frost quakes dangerous?

The loud cracking sounds that sometimes accompany frost quakes can be alarming, as they are often described as resembling gunfire, or even an explosion somewhere nearby. In some instances, the vibrations that may accompany a frost quake can also be felt in homes or other buildings, leading some to feel they may have experienced a small earthquake. Despite the questions about alarm they may cause in more extreme circumstances, there are few reports of injury or property damage resulting from frost quakes, though at least one study has cited locations with a history of frost quake activity as a potential concern in relation to construction operations. (11)

It should also be noted that weather conditions that may occur around the time of a frost quake could present separate hazards, such as icy roads, fallen trees, and danger from frostbite. (12) For more information about safety during potentially hazardous winter weather, please see the National Weather Service guide for Winter Safety, which can be viewed here.

SOURCES:

  1. John E. Ebel, Richard Bedell & Alfredo Urzua. “A Report on the Seismic Vulnerability of the State of Vermont”. Geology of Mineral Resources, Vermont Geological Survey. July 1995.
  2. “Cryoseisms (or frost quakes) in Maine.” Maine Geological Survey, October 6, 2005. http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/hazards/earthquakes/quake-cryoseism.htm
  3. “NOAA: Winter 2013-2014 Among Coldest on Record in Midwest; Driest, Warmest in Southwest.” http://www.weather.com/news/news/winter-ncdc-state-climate-report-2013-2014-20140313
  4. “November 2014 Shattered Cold and Snow Records For Some.” http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/november-2014-cold-snow-records-us
  5. D.E. Willis, R.W. Taylor, M. LeNoble, & S. Yellin. “Icequake Precursors”. 51st Annual Meeting of the Eastern Section of the Seismological Society of America. Dept of Geological Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. October, 1979.
  6. Andrew V. Lacroix. “A Short Note on Cryoseisms”. Earthquake Notes, January 1980.
  7. Tom Irvine. “Ice Quakes.” Vibrationdata Newsletter, June 2006. http://www.vibrationdata.com/Newsletters/June2006_NL.pdf
  8. “Frostquake” (Google Maps community/database) https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=zaeeOyIfUmWk.kSIuJzqm9j2Q
  9. “Cryoseisms (or frost quakes) in Maine.” Maine Geological Survey, October 6, 2005. http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/hazards/earthquakes/quake-cryoseism.htm
  10. D.E. Willis, R.W. Taylor, M. LeNoble, & S. Yellin. “Icequake Precursors”. 51st Annual Meeting of the Eastern Section of the Seismological Society of America. Dept of Geological Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. October, 1979.
  11. Andrew V. Lacroix (January 1980). “A Short Note on Cryoseisms”. Earthquake Notes.
  12. “Winter Safety” National Weather Service Resource. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/winter/index.shtml