Why does the ground shake when a train goes by?

The main sources of ground vibrations generated by railway trains are dynamic forces transmitted from tracks to the ground. These forces are associated with complex processes of interaction of moving train axles with railway tracks supported by the elastic ground.



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As the train moves along thetrack, the result is an oscillating force at each wheel/track contact, and this is transmitted to the ground at each sleeper/ground contact. It's this force that shakes the ground.

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It is suggested in general that vibrations are not noticeable at distances over 300 m from the railway [23].

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If you live anywhere near a set of train tracks, chances are you're all too familiar with the screaming blare of a train's whistle. Reducing train noise may be difficult, unless you plan on moving, soundproofing your house is the best option to reduce the noise disturbance.

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Noise pollution and vibrations are some of the biggest concerns, particularly for people who live within one-third of a mile of railroads or railyards, says Natalia Caldeira Loss Vincens, an expert in public health at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden.

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Tips for Living Near Train Tracks
  1. Earplugs: Wearing earplugs can combat the train noise and help you sleep through the night.
  2. White noise: A white noise machine or app will provide a constant low-level background noise that can help you sleep through occasional train whistles.


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The intensity of sound will vary at night, sometimes louder and sometimes softer. It has to do with the height and strength of a temperature inversion just above the ground. On clear, calm nights, it is cooler at the ground than higher up.

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