'Earthquake' felt across North Yorkshire was a 'sonic event' according to British Geological Survey

By Louise Perrin
Published 18th Nov 2021, 07:47 BST
Updated 18th Nov 2021, 08:02 BST
Reports of a loud rumbling and possible ground movement were reported across large areas of North Yorkshire on Wednesday afternoon.

Information on the British Geological Survey Twitter page read: "BGS : Possible sonic event North Yorkshire November 17 2021 15:46 UTC

"BGS have received a number of reports from residents in North Yorkshire who reported an event at approximately 15:50 UTC today.

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"Data from the BGS seismic networks in the region were examined and signals consistent with a possible sonic origin were recorded between 15:47:42s and 15:49:23s UTC on several stations, on the BGS seismic network, in North Yorkshire.

Residents across North Yorkshire said they felt the ground shakeResidents across North Yorkshire said they felt the ground shake
Residents across North Yorkshire said they felt the ground shake

"Reports included: 'house shook and conservatory creaked', 'a low rumble ending in a thud', 'windows rattled' and 'felt the ground tremble'.

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"The reports received are also consistent with historical observations received for previous events with a sonic origin."

One Twitter user said: "Felt in the air and all through our bodies near Castle Howard. Kids froze, dog ran for her life. Former now thrilled, latter hiding under my bed."

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Another commented: "My house shook and windows rattled so hard I thought they were going to break. Bang followed by low long rumble. #Sleights"

A sonic event is when a thunder-like noise is heard, and is usually caused by an aircraft flying faster than the speed of sound causing a sonic boom. The cause of the sonic event has not yet been confirmed.

Related topics:North YorkshireTwitterDataUTCCastle Howard

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