The Underwater Symphony of Melting Glaciers

We often talk about hearing in terms of human connection – but what if we listened to the Earth itself?

Scientists studying tidewater glaciers have found something extraordinary: melting glaciers don't just vanish silently into the sea, they sing.

Thanks to a pioneering article in Acoustics Today, researchers have been tuning in to the underwater sounds of glaciers to learn more about climate change, sea level rise, and the melting processes that shape our planet. These vast frozen rivers, which flow from mountaintops to the ocean over centuries, generate a soundscape as dramatic as the landscapes themselves.

What does a melting glacier sound like?

Surprisingly lively. When ice breaks away (a process called calving), it crashes into the water with thunderous cracks and splashes. Melting ice, filled with bubbles of compressed air, releases a chorus of tiny pops and hisses as those bubbles burst – a fizzing sound researchers liken to sizzling bacon or sparkling drinks. Scientists have even coined the term "Bergy seltzer" to describe it!

Each of these sounds is more than just fascinating – it's full of information. Hydrophones (underwater microphones) allow scientists to monitor glacier behaviour in places too dangerous for humans to go. These acoustic signals help track melting, calving, and even the formation of undersea ice tunnels.

Why should we care?

Just like the delicate sounds of a glacier, subtle changes in our hearing can reveal bigger shifts in our own well-being. Hearing loss often develops gradually, and many people don't realise it's happening until communication becomes difficult.

Book a gentle appointment today

At The Hearing Clinic, we believe in early detection and the power of listening – whether it's to your loved ones or the environment around you. If you haven't had your hearing checked recently, now is the perfect time.