Frost Quakes Cause Loud Booms, Light Shaking in Bitterly Cold Weather

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Meteorologists say that water rapidly freezing in the soil amid bitterly cold temperatures can make a startling noise and even cause small vibrations. These noises are known as frost quakes or cryoseisms, a cold-weather phenomenon that occurs when rain or melted snow in the ground quickly freezes, expanding as it solidifies, when temperatures rapidly fall below freezing. As the ice expands, pressure builds around the surrounding soil, causing it to crack and make booming sounds and light shaking.

Why it matters

Frost quakes are a relatively rare occurrence, especially in some regions like Kentucky, where the weather does not often get cold enough for the soil to freeze that quickly. While mostly harmless, the loud booms associated with frost quakes can be startling for residents, especially when they happen at night.

The details

Evan Webb, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Louisville, Kentucky, said the office has received reports of 'loud booms' that are associated with cryoseisms during bitter cold weather. Webb said frost quakes are 'relatively rare, especially in Kentucky … we don't get quite cold enough very often to have saturated soil in the winter time to be able to freeze that quickly.' The weather service office notes in a social media post that the noises can be startling, especially when they happen at night, but they're generally not a cause for concern.

• Frost quakes can occur when temperatures rapidly fall below freezing.