Thunder is the sound caused by lightning. source
Thunder is the sound caused by lightning.
Depending on the distance and nature of the lightning, thunder can range from a sharp, loud crack to a long, low rumble (brontide). source
Depending on the distance and nature of the lightning, 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. source
The sudden increase in pressure and temperature from lightning produces rapid expansion of the air surrounding and within a bolt of lightning.
The cause of thunder has been the subject of centuries of speculation and scientific inquiry. source
The cause of thunder has been the subject of centuries of speculation and scientific inquiry.
The shockwave in thunder is sufficient to cause injury, such as internal contusion, to individuals nearby. source
The shockwave in thunder is sufficient to cause injury, such as internal contusion, to individuals nearby.
Inversion thunder results when lightning strikes between cloud and ground occur during a temperature inversion. source
Inversion thunder results when lightning strikes between cloud and ground occur during a temperature inversion.
The sound energy is prevented from dispersing vertically as it would in a non-inversion and is thus concentrated in the near-ground layer. source
The sound energy is prevented from dispersing vertically as it would in a non-inversion and is thus concentrated in the near-ground layer.
the resulting thunder sound is significantly louder than it would be if heard at the same distance in a non inversion condition. source
the resulting thunder sound is significantly louder than it would be if heard at the same distance in a non inversion condition.
The d in Modern English thunder (from earlier Old English þunor) is epenthetic, source
The d in Modern English thunder (from earlier Old English þunor) is epenthetic,
In Latin the term was tonare "to thunder". The name of the Germanic god Thor comes from the Old Norse word for thunder. source
In Latin the term was tonare "to thunder". The name of the Germanic god Thor comes from the Old Norse word for thunder.
A flash of lightning, followed after some time by a rumble of thunder, illustrates the fact that sound travels significantly slower than light. source
A flash of lightning, followed after some time by a rumble of thunder, illustrates the fact that sound travels significantly slower than light.
Using this difference, one can estimate how far away the bolt of lightning is by timing the interval between seeing the flash and hearing thunder. source
Using this difference, one can estimate how far away the bolt of lightning is by timing the interval between seeing the flash and hearing thunder.
Thunder is seldom heard at distances over 20 kilometers (12 mi). source
Thunder is seldom heard at distances over 20 kilometers (12 mi).
A very bright flash of lightning and an almost simultaneous sharp "crack" of thunder, a thundercrack. source
A very bright flash of lightning and an almost simultaneous sharp "crack" of thunder, a thundercrack.