Why does Earth hum? Ocean swells, scientists finally say
Southern Ocean swells create seismic vibrations that travel around Earth. This explains a mystery scientists have detected since the 1960s.
Earth gives off very low-frequency vibrations. Seismic stations have picked them up since the 1960s.
Scientists now believe ocean swells in the Southern Ocean cause these vibrations. Wave pressure interacts with fluid deep in Earth's crust, making signals that travel around the world.
These infrasound waves are too low for humans to hear. But they travel long distances, like whale song, circling the planet.
- 1960s
- First detection year
- 30
- Seismic stations used in recording
- Southern Ocean swells
- Suspected source
Why it mattersUnderstanding Earth's seismic signals helps scientists detect earthquakes and other natural events more accurately.
AustraliaAustralia's seismic monitoring network benefits from improved understanding of natural vibrations, aiding tsunami and earthquake detection.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 45 d ago
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