A
cryoseism, also known as an
ice quake or a
frost quake, is a seismic event that may be caused by a sudden
cracking action in frozen soil or rock
saturated with
water or
ice. As water drains into the ground, it may eventually freeze and expand under colder temperatures, putting
stress on its surroundings. This stress builds up until relieved
explosively in the form of a cryoseism.