Thunderquakes Reveal Earth's Subsurface

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new method for seismic imaging of the Earth's shallow subsurface using thunderquakes, which are seismic waves produced by thunderstorms. This method uses existing fiber-optic telecommunications cables and distributed acoustic sensing technology to better understand the interaction between the atmosphere and the solid Earth.

The study, led by Tieyuan Zhu, associate professor of geosciences at Penn State, used existing fiber-optic telecommunications cables buried under Penn State's University Park campus. The researchers developed a new way to use distributed acoustic sensing technology (DAS) for seismic imaging, allowing for passive imaging in places with fewer earthquakes, like the central and eastern United States.

Seismic tomography is a method used to produce an image of the subsurface from waves recorded by sensors at the surface. In this study, the waves used for imaging were acoustic waves produced by thunder rather than by earthquakes or active seismic equipment. The researchers demonstrated the first successful seismic imaging using thunderquakes, providing a new way to observe the interaction between the atmosphere and the solid Earth.

## What it means The ability to use thunderquakes for seismic imaging is significant because it can help researchers understand what is happening beneath the surface in areas where earthquakes are rare. Seismic imaging can be used to evaluate geohazards and understand the structure of the Earth's subsurface. This new method can provide valuable insights into the Earth's interior, particularly in regions where traditional seismic imaging methods are limited.

## Why it matters The use of thunderquakes for seismic imaging has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the Earth's subsurface. By using existing fiber-optic telecommunications cables and DAS technology, researchers can gather data on the Earth's interior without the need for expensive equipment or waiting for earthquakes to occur. This can lead to a better understanding of the Earth's structure, composition, and potential hazards, ultimately informing strategies for natural hazard mitigation and resource management.

The study's findings were published in Science Advances on August 21, 2026, marking a significant breakthrough in the field of seismic imaging. As researchers continue to develop and refine this new method, it is likely to have a major impact on our understanding of the Earth's subsurface and its many mysteries.