Listen to Earth’s rumbling, secret soundtrack

MIT Technology Review

by Monique Brouillette

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The Earth emits a symphony of low-frequency sounds, known as infrasounds, which are imperceptible to human ears but play a significant role in understanding natural phenomena. These "infrasounds" are emitted by events like calving glaciers, wildfires, and storm systems, traveling globally at frequencies below 20 hertz. Now, musician Brian House has transformed these hidden sounds into an album called *Everyday Infrasound in an Uncertain World*, condensing 24 hours of Earth's rumblings into 24 minutes of ambient bass lines. Using custom-built macrophones and barometers, House captures the subtle variations in air pressure caused by distant events, then speeds up the recordings to make them audible. This innovative project bridges art and science, offering a new perspective on the planet's natural processes. House’s work builds on the long history of using infrasound for scientific purposes. For instance, barometers detected the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa in London, and today, global infrasound networks monitor nuclear tests and volcanic activity. Collaborating with scientists like volcanologist Leif Karlstrom, House gained insights into the sources of these sounds while creating his album. The resulting music is a haunting blend of deep vibrations, ghostly whispers, and occasional high-pitched tones, leaving listeners to ponder the origins of each sound. "It’s about the mystery," House says, aiming to evoke a sense of wonder and unease. While the album is an artistic achievement, it also highlights the potential for infrasound technology in fields like environmental monitoring and disaster prediction. By capturing these subtle yet powerful sounds, scientists can gain new insights into natural events, from volcanic eruptions to shifting ocean currents. For AI developers, this kind of data could be used to train algorithms to detect and classify infrasounds, aiding in early warning systems or ecological research. Ultimately, House’s project reminds us that the Earth is a dynamic, living entity with its own unique soundtrack—one that humans have barely begun to understand. By translating these sounds into an accessible form, he bridges the gap between science and art, inviting listeners to explore a previously hidden dimension of our world. This intersection of technology, creativity, and environmental awareness offers endless possibilities for innovation, not just in music but in how we perceive

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Originally published on MIT Technology Review on 2/25/2026