understanding-earthquake-sounds-causes-and-meaning-of-the-sound-heard-during-an-earthquake-in-trabzon

Understanding Earthquake Sounds: Decoding the Mystery Behind the Noises Heard During an Earthquake in Trabzon

Trabzon, a picturesque city nestled along the Black Sea coast of Turkey, was jolted awake by an earthquake in the wee hours of the night. The sound accompanying the tremors sent waves of panic through the residents. But what causes these sounds during an earthquake? What do they signify?

The Mysterious Earthquake Sounds

Earthquake sounds, also known as “seismic noise,” refer to the rumblings, blasts, hums, and vibrations believed to emanate from underground during earthquakes. However, the frequency of vibrations released during an earthquake is significantly lower than the range of sounds audible to the human ear. Therefore, the majority of sounds perceived as “earthquake sounds” are, in fact, a cacophony of noises produced by buildings, cars, roads, bridges, trees, and people in urban settings. Nonetheless, under specific circumstances, it is believed that some sounds originating from the earthquake itself can be heard.

The Audible Earthquake Sounds

It is observed that earthquakes smaller than magnitude 2.5 and shallow ones can produce sounds audible to humans, along with palpable tremors. These phenomena are dependent on local field conditions, including ambient noise levels. Studies conducted under outdoor and away from cultural noise sources have revealed that, in such conditions, the free surface behaves like a giant woofer in response to the incoming P-waves, producing discernible shaking for earthquakes ranging from 2.0 to 2.8 magnitudes.

The Source of Earthquake Sounds

During earthquakes, the waves generated all fall below the 20 Hertz frequency (i.e., 20 vibrations per second), making them infrasonic waves that are normally inaudible to humans. However, research suggests that these vibrations can approach 20 Hertz as they propagate through the air, making them perceptible to human ears.

As we unravel the enigmatic nature of earthquake sounds, one thing becomes clear – the Earth is a living, breathing entity that occasionally stirs and makes its presence known through a symphony of sounds. The next time you hear a rumble beneath your feet, pause, and listen. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Earth whispering its ancient secrets to those who care to listen. After all, understanding these sounds brings us one step closer to deciphering the language of our planet and the forces that shape our existence.