Frost quake
A frost quake (cryoseism) occurs when the ground is saturated with water, specifically the soil layer at the surface, and then a rapid freezing takes place. Water expands when it freezes and stress builds up until it is released. This generates local ground shaking and is often mistaken for an earthquake. The sound it produces is similar to explosion or gun shot. Sometimes a frost quake produces a visible crack along the ground.
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