Thunder

Thunder

Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. Depending on the nature of the lightning and distance of the listener, thunder can range from a sharp, loud crack to a long, low rumble (brontide). The sudden increase in pressure and temperature from lightning produces rapid expansion of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning. In turn, this expansion of air creates a sonic shock wave, similar to a sonic boom, which produces the sound of thunder, often referred to as a clap, crack, or peal of thunder. The distance of the lightning can be calculated by the listener based on the time interval from when the lightning is seen to when the sound is heard.

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Famous quotes containing the word thunder:

    There is not even silence in the mountains
    But dry sterile thunder without rain
    There is not even solitude in the mountains
    —T.S. (Thomas Stearns)

    You will trail across the rocks
    and wash them with your salt,
    you will curl between sand-hills
    you will thunder along the cliff
    break retreat get fresh strength
    gather and pour weight upon the beach.
    Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)

    Lies save trouble now, but may return in thunder and lightning.
    Mason Cooley (b. 1927)