Did you hear it? Did you hear a loud bang that you did not know where it was coming from? Turns out, it might be a frost quake.
Earlier this week, residents in the St. Louis area reported hearing booms, but there were no indications of an earthquake. What caused the sound?
National Weather Service Kansas City Meteorologist Randall Collier explains a frost quake is the reason for the noise. “A frost quake is a seismic occurrence resulting from underground water freezing and expanding, placing additional stress on its surroundings (i.e. ice, frozen soil, rocks).”
The sound that is heard is due to the relief of the stress. “The stress is relieved, eventually yielding an explosive cracking or booming sound known as an ice quake. Other names include an ice quake or a cryoseism.”
It’s a rare occurrence because specific weather conditions are needed, including a minor snowpack (less than 6 inches) and a rapid temperature drop.
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