Frost quakes: the science behind them

news image
Special Stories
14 Jan 2024 6:10 PM

Frost quakes? Sounds like a basis of a bad sci-fi movie. Cryoseism is highly localized rumblings caused by the fast onset of cold air!

This Arctic Outbreak is bringing a couple of different headaches, including SNOW IN THE SOUTHEAST but another symptom of the brutal cold could be some frost quakes.

Basically, the groundwater beneath the surface freezes due to the incursion of cold air rushing in. That ice will expand in size, putting pressure on the soil above it. When that soil inevitably shifts around, that is what you're feeling.

What do you need to occur to open the possibility of frost quakes?

  • Temperatures to plummet close to zero

  • Little to no snowfall on the ground

Don't worry, these are often weak in intensity, and highly localized to areas on the surface. In fact, they can go unnoticed by the USGS! Don't be surprised if some places around the Midwest report some shaking and loud noises in the next few days.

All Weather News
More
Major River Flooding Causes Damage; Another Day of Storms in New Mexico

Major River Flooding Causes Damage; Another Day of Storms in New Mexico

A powerful low pressure system has been movin

24 Oct 2026 12:30 PM
Sunny Day Flooding; King Tides Surge This Week

Sunny Day Flooding; King Tides Surge This Week

This week, the ocean is coming to low lying a

24 Oct 2026 11:32 AM
Hurricane Vance Swirling in the Pacific

Hurricane Vance Swirling in the Pacific

After becoming a hurricane Friday, Vance quic

24 Oct 2026 10:25 AM
Warmer Than Average: Above-Normal Temperatures Across the Central U.S. This Week

Warmer Than Average: Above-Normal Temperatures Across the Central U.S. This Week

WHAT TO EXPECTA ridge of high pressure linger

24 Oct 2026 10:00 AM
Josephine is Now Post-Tropical

Josephine is Now Post-Tropical

SETUPThe National Hurricane Center was watchi

23 Oct 2026 1:20 AM
Several Fires Break Out in SoCal Last Week Amid Santa Ana Wind Event

Several Fires Break Out in SoCal Last Week Amid Santa Ana Wind Event

Santa Ana winds helped several fires grow qui

19 Oct 2026 1:25 PM
Another Cold Morning Before Things Warm Back Up

Another Cold Morning Before Things Warm Back Up

Across portions of the Ohio Valley through th

19 Oct 2026 10:15 AM