Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Infrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies lower than the lower limit of human hearing, typically below 20 Hz. These low-frequency sounds can travel long distances and through various mediums.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Infrasound frequencies are below 20 Hz, which is the lower limit of human hearing.
These waves can travel long distances and penetrate through obstacles like buildings and mountains.
Natural sources of infrasound include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and ocean waves.
Certain animals, such as elephants and whales, use infrasound for communication over long distances.
Infrasound is used in various scientific applications, including monitoring seismic activity and studying atmospheric phenomena.
Waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers as a result of geological activity such as earthquakes.
Decibel (dB): A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.