Lakes can be surprisingly noisy in winter. Ice fractures and cracks are constantly forming through these cold winter months, causing audible sounds ranging from a slight echoing “blooop” sound to a startling or explosive “bang!” Why exactly are our icy lakes so loud?
Ice isn’t always as solid as it looks
Although lake ice appears stable and solid, it is an ever-shifting material subject to ever-changing forces. Unlike nearly every other substance or material, the volume of water significantly expands as it freezes, increasing the given volume of water about 9% after freezing. The expansion can induce incredible amounts of pressure onto the ice. Think about how frozen water can cause metal pipes to bend and burst.
