• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
VIDEO: When temperatures drop rapidly, the cold freezes water-saturated ground, which expands, cracks rocky soil, and produced 'popping' sounds.
0:34
CHALERMKIAT SEEDOKMAI/GETTY
  • ABC News
  • Weather
  • January 30, 2019

What is a 'frost quake'?

When temperatures drop rapidly, the cold freezes water-saturated ground, which expands, cracks rocky soil, and produced 'popping' sounds.

Up Next in news

'Frost Quakes' Rattle Tennessee Residents

'Frost Quakes' Rattle Tennessee Residents

February 20, 2015
Cold weather to worsen for millions

Cold weather to worsen for millions

January 29, 2019
Cold weather survival tips

Cold weather survival tips

January 30, 2019

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News