Seismologists measured the varying speeds of a ‘thunderquake’ to survey an area with little seismic activity.
21 August 2026
Seismologists measured the varying speeds of a ‘thunderquake’ to survey an area with little seismic activity.
Thunderquakes — when the crash of thunder vibrates the ground — can be used for geological studies. Credit: David McNew/Getty
Crackaboom! A big thunderclap from a passing storm shakes the ground. Researchers have now found that these ‘thunderquakes’ can help to map hidden geological structures.
Access options
Using thunderquakes to X-ray earth – a new study shows urban seismology in action
How “thunderquakes” could help reveal hidden structures inside the Earth
Using thunderquakes to X-ray Earth – a new study shows urban seismology in action
Researchers use "thunderquakes" to study structure of Earth's surface
Thunder + fiber-optic cabling used for seismic imaging
Since 2012, Stanford researchers linked 2 sensor technologies to record hurricane forces near the sea surface. Now, the new data stream could help forecast storm intensity before hurricanes make landfall
A study reveals how thunderquakes can be used to map Earth's subsurface, transforming fiber-optic cables into seismic sensors.
When that energy reaches the ground, some of it is converted into seismic waves that ripple through the soil and rock…
Using thunderquakes to X-ray Earth – a new study shows urban seismology in action
Thunderstorms make seismic waves that can be used to find sub-surface features.
How to Predict an Earthquake: In the trenches with a paleoseismologist
Thunderstorms make seismic waves that can be used to find sub-surface features.
