What's happened
Recent US cold snaps have caused reports of frost quakes—loud ground booms from rapid freezing—and frost cracks in trees, often mistaken for explosions. These phenomena are harmless but startling, resulting from rapid soil and tree freezing during sudden temperature drops, especially at night.
What's behind the headline?
Frost quakes and frost cracks are natural responses to extreme cold, but their frequent reporting highlights the increasing volatility of winter weather. The media often sensationalizes these events, framing them as 'explosions,' which can cause unnecessary alarm. Understanding the science reveals these are harmless, though they can cause minor structural damage and impact infrastructure. The phenomena are most likely to occur in regions with porous soil and sharp temperature swings, such as the Midwest and northern US. Climate variability suggests these events may become more common, emphasizing the need for public awareness and infrastructure resilience. The media's focus on sensational language may obscure the benign nature of these events, but they serve as a reminder of the power of rapid environmental change.
What the papers say
The Guardian provides a detailed explanation of frost cracks and their causes, emphasizing the cellular changes in trees during cold snaps. AP News and The Independent clarify that frost quakes are rare, harmless, and caused by rapid soil freezing, often mistaken for paranormal activity. The NY Post reports recent incidents in Kentucky and Tennessee, linking them to the cold weather and explaining the mechanics of frost quakes. While some meteorologists initially used hyperbolic language about 'exploding trees,' experts confirm that such events are rare and not dangerous. The coverage collectively underscores that these phenomena are natural, predictable, and generally pose no threat to safety, despite their startling sounds.
How we got here
Frost quakes and frost cracks occur during extreme cold when rapid temperature drops cause soil and tree tissues to freeze quickly. Soil saturation and soil type influence the likelihood of frost quakes, which are more common in regions with porous, water-holding soil. These phenomena have been documented historically and are linked to sudden temperature fluctuations, especially at night.
Go deeper
Common question
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Frost quakes, also known as cryoseisms, are sudden, loud booms caused by rapid ground freezing during extreme cold weather. These startling events are becoming more noticeable during recent cold snaps, especially in regions unaccustomed to such phenomena. Curious about what causes frost quakes, whether they’re dangerous, and how to stay safe? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this intriguing weather event.
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What Causes Frost Quakes During Cold Snaps?
Frost quakes, also known as cryoseisms, are sudden, loud ground booms that occur during extreme cold weather. Many people hear these mysterious noises during cold snaps but wonder what exactly causes them. In this guide, we'll explore the science behind frost quakes, how to identify them, and what makes certain regions more prone to these phenomena. If you've experienced strange booming sounds during winter, you're not alone—read on to learn more about this fascinating natural event.
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The National Weather Service is an agency of the United States federal government that is tasked with providing weather forecasts, warnings of hazardous weather, and other weather-related products to organizations and the public for the purposes of protec