Infrasound: The Silent Vibrations You Can’t Detect

Infrasound refers to sound waves below 20 hertz, too low for human ears to detect.
Though inaudible, infrasound can often be felt as rumbling or vibrations.
Elephants and whales use infrasound to communicate across miles of distance.
Natural events like earthquakes, volcanoes, and storms produce powerful infrasonic waves.
Scientists use infrasound to monitor volcanic eruptions and detect nuclear tests.
Because infrasound travels far, it’s useful for tracking events across the globe.
Some people report feelings of unease or fear when exposed to strong infrasonic waves.
Infrasound can resonate with buildings, sometimes rattling windows or doors without audible sound.
Engineers study infrasound to improve earthquake-resistant structures.
From animal calls to natural disasters, infrasound is the silent heartbeat of the Earth.