You’re all settled in for a good night’s sleep when all of a sudden a “boom!” startles you awake. No, it’s not a bomb — it’s a frost quake, a cold-weather quirk that can make the ground sound like it’s exploding. It’s one of the many surprising side effects of the recent winter storms sweeping across the country. What exactly is a frost quake? It’s actually a natural, cold-weather seismic event that can make the ground crack with a loud boom. It all starts when water trapped in the soil freezes fast. Rain, snowmelt, or floodwater soaks the ground and a sudden temperature drop forces that water to expand. Frost quakes are more likely when there’s little to no snow cover, since snow acts like an insulating blanket and slows freezing. That’s also why you’re most likely to hear a frost quake right after a winter storm, when soaked soil freezes quickly. As the ice pushes against the surrounding soil and rock, pressure builds until the ground suddenly splits with a snap. The energy release produces a booming sound and tiny vibrations that can startle anyone nearby. Despite the drama, frost quakes are generally harmless. The real “danger” is just the surprise factor. A sudden boom can startle you, spill your coffee, or make you dash outside expecting an explosion. Beyond that, frost quakes are just a quirky, cold-weather spectacle, leaving cracked soil and rattled nerves in their wake.
