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Science & Technology

What causes the Earth's mysterious hum ?

By T.K. Randall
April 16, 2015 · Comment icon 19 comments

The hum appears to be related to the movement of ocean waves. Image Credit: CC BY-SA 3.0 NikoLang
A new study has investigated what causes the planet to inexplicably vibrate at very low frequencies.
While it has long been known that seismic events can cause the planet to resonate for up to several months, evidence has also been found of a second, more subtle type of vibration that seems to occur all the time even when there are no earthquakes.

This microseismic activity is too faint for humans to pick up but now researchers investigating the cause of the phenomenon have discovered that ocean waves may be responsible.

Through the use of computer models simulating the movements of the wind and tides the scientists were able to determine that colliding ocean waves produce seismic waves that can take up to 13 seconds to complete one oscillation.
Slower waves however can take a lot longer - up to 300 seconds - and it is these that are thought to cause the mysterious hum due to the pressure of the water being dragged across the seafloor.

"I think our result is an important step in the transformation of mysterious noise into an understood signal," said lead study author and oceanographer Fabrice Ardhuin.

Because these waves can penetrate deep in to the Earth's mantle it is also hoped that a complete understanding of this phenomenon could help scientists learn more about the planet's interior.

Source: Live Science | Comments (19)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #10 Posted by Ozfactor 9 years ago
I always wanted to hear the Taos Hum !
Comment icon #11 Posted by mynameisachu 9 years ago
I'm having a very hard time understanding what you are saying. well basically i am saying that its every sound on earth spread thin through the air Trolololololololololol - At least I hope for the sake of humanity, because you hanging out with your dog and making assumptions is somehow a more accurate method of discovering what this hum is rather than a scientific exploration into its cause. hearing it is a more accurate method its just like when you put your finger in water and you know its wet even if no one has scientifically explained it to you, besides think about it from a objective pers... [More]
Comment icon #12 Posted by Ryu 9 years ago
Roughly five years ago I began hearing what sounded like a low, rhythmic drone, much like what you'd hear from a far off radio with the bass way up or the loud tv/radio of a neighbor on a lower floor of an apartment. But I am not sure if it the sound is legit or just another development of my tinnitus. Odd thing is that I do not hear it all the time so..who knows.
Comment icon #13 Posted by TripGun 9 years ago
This vibration is from the push of dark energy, all of my pets agree.
Comment icon #14 Posted by paperdyer 9 years ago
Roughly five years ago I began hearing what sounded like a low, rhythmic drone, much like what you'd hear from a far off radio with the bass way up or the loud tv/radio of a neighbor on a lower floor of an apartment. But I am not sure if it the sound is legit or just another development of my tinnitus. Odd thing is that I do not hear it all the time so..who knows. My tinnitus changes pitch occasionally for a few seconds then goes back to it's higher pitch whine, sort of like electric lines in a alley, if any of you have experienced that. Some days it's barely perceptible other days it's loud e... [More]
Comment icon #15 Posted by Ashyne 9 years ago
Is the Taos Hum related to this?
Comment icon #16 Posted by 01010101 9 years ago
helloo!!!is because this is a prison for yor mind never forget that,thi low vibration field prison to keep all animals and nature under this low future
Comment icon #17 Posted by Nnicolette 9 years ago
This and the sound recorded from that asteroid make me wonder if distant planetary bodies can be "listened in on" to determine thier composure or rotation or detect oceans.
Comment icon #18 Posted by Harte 9 years ago
The Earth's heart is beating Speak for yourself. Harte
Comment icon #19 Posted by Oops Monkey 9 years ago
Roughly five years ago I began hearing what sounded like a low, rhythmic drone, much like what you'd hear from a far off radio with the bass way up or the loud tv/radio of a neighbor on a lower floor of an apartment. But I am not sure if it the sound is legit or just another development of my tinnitus. Odd thing is that I do not hear it all the time so..who knows. I have read about this phenomenon a lot here. Does the explanation the scientists are providing explain the rhythmic drone so many people hear or are these two separate phenomenons?


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