Thunderquakes Reveal Underground Secrets | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 23, 2026 · 1m

Scientists have discovered that thunder doesn’t just shake your ears—it sends seismic waves deep into the ground, creating “thunderquakes” that can act like natural X-rays of the subsurface. By repurposing everyday fiber-optic cables—used for internet connections—as ultra-sensitive vibration sensors, researchers captured over 400 thunderquakes in two years, revealing detailed underground structures down to 300 feet. This breakthrough lets them map hidden features like fractured rock or sinkholes without drilling, using nothing but existing infrastructure and storms already happening…