Fun fact - some of the “sound” is actually infrasound. Infrasound is caused by pressure waves below our hearing threshold, but our bodies and brains can still detect it. It’s often associated with feelings of “doom” and discomfort. Volcanoes, severe weather, earthquakes, and other massive earth-moving events are known to cause it, as are many large animals, such as elephants. It’s part of the reason that animals flee before natural disasters.

Humans, with our superstitious nature, sometimes attribute the sensation to supernatural causes. This can happen when old houses settle and create infrasound, leading people to feel that the house is “haunted.” The vibration of infrasound is also very close to the natural resonance frequency of our eyes, which can result in visual hallucinations, adding to “haunted” reputations.

Either way, if you’re near the beach and you feel a sudden sense of doom overtake you, it might be best to listen to your gut and leave the area.