No, You’re Not Losing Your Mind, Ice Quakes in Maine are Real

If you've ever been awakened by a sudden BOOM in the middle of a freezing cold, below temperature night in Maine then yes, you've may have just felt a frost quake.

This is also known as an ice quake or cryoseism, according to Accuweather. 

Since our state of Maine has recently been experiencing a few earthquakes, it's the right time to remind ourselves that not every single shake we feel is tectonic. Sometimes, it is just a good old-fashioned frozen ice tantrum.

Wait, what the heck is an ice quake?

So I think of it like natures version of cracking a frozen pipe or throwing a huge ice chunk onto the concrete like my son loves to do. But instead, it's all happening underground.

When the ground is filled with water and temps are dropping fast, the freezing water will expand, putting a ton of pressure on the rocks and soil, according to Accuweather.

So eventually, somethings gotta give, right?

This will result in a massively loud CRACK and sometimes even a little bit of ground movement.

Read More: Several Snowstorms Set to Hit Maine Over The Next Five Days 

Unlike real earthquakes which as you know involve shifting tectonic plates, frost quakes are just winter being super dramatic. They're short lived and loud and unfortunately very unpredictable, according to Accuweather. 

The Maine Geological Survey says that they usually happen between midnight and dawn, so what you are saying is it's just in time to scare the ever loving daylights out of all of us?

Read More: Winter Is Coming: Time to Prep Like a True Mainer 

How do I avoid an ice quake?

You don’t. Sorry, but it you are worried, just hope for a really deep sleep or a deep now. A good 6 inches of snow will act as an insulator.

So next time you hear a boom in the middle of the night, don’t panic, it’s probably just winter reminding you who’s boss.

Welcome to Maine.