WEATHER TURNS WEIRD

Frost quakes shakes Illinois, ‘gorilla hail’ falls in Kansas and a purple fog engulfs British Columbia

ICE QUAKES In January, the area around Chicago experienced widespread frost quakes, something that occurs after sudden freezing of the ground. Known as cryoseism, the phenomenon produces small earthquake-like tremors and loud booming and popping sounds. “It sort of sounds like somebody is either snapping a very large branch off a tree or maybe popping very large bubble wrap. It’s not quite gunfire, but it’s sort of like that, and it can be that loud,” said Illinois state climatologist Trent Ford. “The shaking is less common,” he added. “Those can be like small earthquakes, not nearly to the extent of where pictures fall off the wall,” but in the most extreme conditions frost quakes can damage roads and building foundations. The quakes need a precise set of conditions, usually occurring…

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Fortean Times (Digital) - 1 Issue, 445

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