Perennial or seasonal frost conditions involved with cryoseisms limit these events to temperate climates that experience seasonal variation with subzero winters. In general, cryoseisms occur 3 to 4 hours after significant changes in temperature. However, due to the permanent nature of glacial ice, glacier-related cryoseisms may also occur in the warmer months of summer. Many cryoseisms were also reported near Lac-Mégantic, in the Eastern Townships (Québec, Canada), in the last days of December 2013.Ĭryoseisms typically occur when temperatures rapidly decrease from above freezing to subzero, in the first cold snap of spring, usually between midnight and dawn (during the coldest parts of night). Numerous frost quakes again occurred in the Greater Toronto Area around 2:00 AM January 3, 2014, and Januovernight. Essex County in New York experienced cryoseisms as late as December 31, 2013. The towns of Cornwall, Middlebury, Ripton, and Weybridge, Vermont experienced the same phenomenon after the same weather conditions with the loudest occurring around 4:50am on December 25. However, the loud cracking sounds attributed to frost quakes are better explained as contraction of building structures due to the rapid change in temperature. Southern Ontario experienced numerous, albeit unverified, frost quakes on December 24, 2013, and more severe, waking a great many from sleep, on Decemat 3:00 AM and later at 7:00 AM, as a result of the 2013 Central and Eastern Canada ice storm. Glacier-related cryoseism phenomena have been reported in Alaska, Greenland, Iceland (Grímsvötn),Ross Island,and the Antarctic Prince Charles Mountains. They have surfaced in Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. Lawrence corridor, where winter temperatures can shift very rapidly. In the United States, such events have been reported throughout the Midwestern, Northern and Northeastern United States in Connecticut,Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan,Missouri, Ohio New York, Vermont and Wisconsin.Ĭryoseisms also occur in Canada, especially along the Great Lakes/St. Geocryological processes were identified as a possible cause of tremors as early as 1818. These sometime superficial to moderate occurrences may range from a few centimetres to several kilometres long, with either singular or multiple linear fracturing and vertical or lateral displacement possible. Cracks and fissures may also appear as surface areas contract and split apart from the cold. Some reports have indicated the presence of "distant flashing lights" before or during a cryoseism, possibly due to electrical changes when rocks are compressed. Due to lower frequency vibrations of cryoseisms, some seismic monitoring stations may not record their occurrence.Īlthough cryoseisms release less energy than most tectonic events, they can still cause damage or significant changes to an affected area. Furthermore, cryoseisms often exhibit high intensity in a very localized area,in the immediate proximity of the epicenter, as compared to the widespread effects of an earthquake. Cryoseisms can have an intensity of up to VI on the Modified Mercalli Scale. Initial indications may appear similar to those of an earthquake with tremors, vibrations, ground cracking and related noises, such as thundering or booming sounds.Cryoseisms can however be distinguished from earthquakes through meteorological and geological conditions.
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The requirements for a cryoseism to occur are numerous therefore, accurate predictions are not entirely possible and may constitute a factor in structural design and engineering when constructing in an area historically known for such events.Speculation has been made between global warming and the frequency of cryoseisms.Ī crack that appeared in the ground in Waupun, Wis., last monthĬryoseisms are often mistaken for minor intraplate earthquakes. Hydraulic pressure of the liquid can act as a lubricant, allowing the glacier to suddenly shift position.This type of cryoseism can be very brief, or may last for several minutes. This movement has been attributed to a veneer of water which may pool underneath a glacier sourced from surface ice melt. This stress builds up until relieved explosively in the form of a cryoseism.Īnother type of cryoseism is a non-tectonic seismic event caused by sudden glacial movements. As water drains into ground, it may eventually freeze and expand under colder temperatures, putting stress on its surroundings. Posted: Mon 1:46 am Post subject: What is Frost Quake?Ī cryoseism, also known as an ice quake or a frost quake, may be caused by a sudden cracking action in frozen soil or rock saturated with water or ice.
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