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Extraños estruendos tras tormenta invernal: qué son los “temblores de hielo” que alarmaron a EEUU

Las temperaturas extremadamente bajas pueden generar distintos peligros, como hipotermia o la caída de árboles por el hielo; sin embargo, hay un fenómeno aún […]

Extraños estruendos tras tormenta invernal: qué son los “temblores de hielo” que alarmaron a EEUU

TL;DR

  • Unusual booms and vibrations were reported in parts of the US following a historic winter storm.
  • The phenomenon is explained as 'frost quakes' or 'cryoseisms'.
  • Frost quakes happen when frozen ground cracks suddenly during rapid temperature drops.
  • The expansion of freezing water in the soil causes pressure that leads to the ground breaking.
  • These events often occur at night after a slight temperature increase.
  • A deep layer of snow can prevent frost quakes by acting as insulation.
  • Frost quakes are not related to tectonic plate movement and are generally not dangerous.
  • Potential effects include shaking windows, vibrating walls, and cracking surfaces like driveways.