Cryoseism

A glacial cryoseism is a non-tectonic seismic event of the glacial cryosphere. A large variety of seismogenic glacial processes arising from internal, ocean calving, or basal processes have been identified and studied. [12] [13] Very large calving events in Greenland and Antarctica have been observed to generate seismic events of magnitude 5 or larger.[14] Extremely large icebergs can also generate seismic signals that are observable at distances up to thousands of kilometers when they collide or grind across the ocean floor.[15] Basal glacial motion be enhanced due to water accumulation underneath a glacier sourced from surface or basal ice melt. Hydraulic pressure of subglacial water can reduce the friction at the bed, allowing the glacier to suddenly shift and generate seismic waves.[10][16] This type of cryoseism can be very brief, or may last for many minutes.[8]

US States with reported cryoseisms.

Geocryological processes were identified as a possible cause of tremors as early as 1818.[1][5] In the United States, such events have been reported throughout the Midwestern, Northern and Northeastern United States.[1][7][17]

Cryoseisms also occur in Canada,[1][2] especially along the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence corridor, where winter temperatures can shift very rapidly.[18][19] They have surfaced in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and the Maritime Provinces.[18][20][21]

Glacier-related cryoseism phenomena have been reported in Alaska,[22] Greenland,[23] Iceland (Grímsvötn),[24] Finland,[25] Ross Island,[11] and the Antarctic Prince Charles Mountains.[26]

There are four main precursors for a frost quake cryoseism event to occur:[1][2] (1) a region must be susceptible to cold air masses, (2) the ground must undergo saturation from thaw or liquid precipitation prior to an intruding cold air mass, (3) most frost quakes are associated with minor snow cover on the ground without a significant amount of snow to insulate the ground (i.e., less than 6 inches), and (4) a rapid temperature drop from approximately freezing to near or below zero degrees Fahrenheit, which ordinarily occurred on a timescale of 16 to 48 hours.[1]

Cryoseisms typically occur when temperatures rapidly decrease from above freezing to subzero,[4][9] and are more than likely to occur between midnight and dawn (during the coldest parts of night).[1][5] However, due to the permanent nature of glacial ice, glacier-related cryoseisms may also occur in the warmer months of summer.[10] In general, cryoseisms may occur 3 to 4 hours after significant changes in temperature.[27] Perennial or seasonal frost conditions involved with cryoseisms limit these events to temperate climates that experience seasonal variation with subzero winters. Additionally, the ground must be saturated with water, which can be caused by snowmelt, rain, sleet or flooding.[5] Geologically, areas of permeable materials like sand or gravel, which are susceptible to frost action, are likelier candidates for cryoseisms.[5] Following large cryoseisms, little to no seismic activity will be detected for several hours, indicating that accumulated stress has been relieved.[27]