Definition of Thunder
Thunder is the auditory manifestation of
air swiftly
expanding in
response to the
severe heating induced by a
lightning discharge. As a lightning bolt journeys through the
sky, it escalates the
temperature of the adjacent air to extreme levels. This
thermal surge prompts the air to expand instantly, engendering a shock
wave that traverses the
atmosphere, culminating in the booming resonance recognized as thunder.
Relation Between Lightning and Thunder
The phenomena of lightning and thunder maintain a fundamental connection, with thunder ensuing directly from a lightning discharge. A
thunderstorm engenders lightning when an electric discharge evolves within it, neutralizing the electric potential disparity between the terrestrial
surface and the tempestuous
cloud. The
energy liberated by this discharge heats the circumambient air, provoking the
genesis of thunder.
Types of Thunder
Various types of thunder exist, distinguished by sound attributes and the proximity of the lightning strike.
Claps refer to abrupt, resonant sounds that typically signal a close lightning strike.
Peals denote sounds that fluctuate in pitch and
volume, often resulting from multiple lightning discharges or sound reflections off nearby
structures.
Rolls represent prolonged, grumbling sounds originating from distant lightning strikes or from thunder resonating through disparate
atmospheric layers.
Thunder and the Speed of Sound
The speed of sound in the atmosphere significantly influences our perception of thunder. Sound propagates at approximately 1,125 feet (or 343 meters) per second in
dry air at 68°F (20°C). Given this finite speed, a delay transpires between the observable lightning
flash and the audible thunder, with sound reaching an observer after the
light. To crudely gauge the
distance to a lightning strike, one can count the seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder, dividing this count by five for the distance in miles, or by three for kilometers.
Thunderstorms can generate intense
weather conditions, including potent winds,
hail, heavy
precipitation, and lightning. Consequently, it is paramount to undertake safety measures when thunder is discernible. The
30-30 rule is a practical guideline for ascertaining safety during a thunderstorm. After witnessing a lightning flash, one should
time the seconds until the thunder is perceptible. If this interval is less than 30 seconds, one should seek
shelter immediately, and remain
indoors for at least 30 minutes following the last audible thunder to ensure the
storm has dissipated.
Thunder in Folklore and Culture
Historically, thunder has elicited both fascination and trepidation, often ascribed to the deeds of deities or supernatural entities. Numerous cultures harbor myths and legends about thunder, typically entailing divine beings who employ thunder and lightning as instruments to express their power. In contemporary times, thunder continues to command reverence and awe, serving as a testament to the formidable power of nature.
Updated: May 23, 2023
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