
Are Frost Quakes Possible This Week In New York?
With extreme cold weather heading to New York State, could we end up getting "Frost Quakes" in the state?
WHAT ARE FROST QUAKES?
A frostquake is a movement of underground land due to the expansion of frozen water in the soil. The water in the ground expands when it freezes causing the ground to shake and move like an earthquake.
ARE FROST QUAKES RARE?
Yes, they mostly happen in arctic areas or areas that frequently get below-freezing weather. There is a chance of them happening in New York this week due to a massive drop in temperature.
READ MORE: REMEMBER WHEN THIS EARTHQUAKE SHOOK NEW YORK STATE IN 2024?
ARE FROST QUAKES DANGEROUS?
For the most part, the land will not move enough to create issues with buildings or roads. Most of the damage is done to the soil underneath the top layer of dirt. You could hear cracking, but that is mainly due to the soil underground moving. In rare cases, the top layer of the ground cracks open and that could cause damage.
CAN YOU SEE FROST QUAKES?
Normally since most of the movement is underground, you won't see a frostquake. You will hear it, but sometimes there are cracks that form in the top layer and you would be able to see those.
WHEN DO FROST QUAKES USUALLY HAPPEN?
Most times frost quakes will take place between 11 pm and 3 pm. That is when it is usually the coldest. Also the less snow on the ground, the better chance of a frost quake since snow is a good insulator, and snow cover can help keep the ground warm enough to prevent the water in the soil from freezing.
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Gallery Credit: Dave fields
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