What are frost quakes and why do they happen?
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – Many people in Tennessee reported what seemed like an earthquake across the state Monday night.
However, experts said this was not an ordinary earthquake, but instead a frost quake.
A frost quake is similar to an earthquake in that the ground shakes suddenly for a few seconds. It differs in that it is usually accompanied by a loud noticeable “boom.”
Frost quakes happen after moisture seeps into the ground and freezes. The recent winter storm was able to supply the necessary moisture as nearly two inches of rain fell in Nashville over the weekend.
Rapidly falling temperatures can cause underground moisture to freeze. The newly formed ice expands, putting extra pressure on surrounding soil and bedrock from above and below.
The pressure builds until the soil layers and rock crack. This cracking can result in loud booms and/or shaking.
Frost quakes often happen during winter in Middle Tennessee. They are still, however, relatively rare occurrences, so those who hear or feel one should consider themselves lucky.
To see more winter storm tips and coverage, click here.
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