Why does thunder sound like a crack close up but a roll from far away?

Question

Why does thunder sound like a crack close up but a roll from far away?

In: 23

Answer 1

“It’s called the Doppler Effect, Dewey. Both sound and light travel at a constant speed, but their wavelengths get shorter or longer depending on whether they’re moving towards you or away from you. Now put some pants on, you little freak.” 

-Dewey, malcolm in the middle. This quote is referring to why motorcycles get louder when they’re closer but it’s pretty much the same

Answer 2

“It’s called the Doppler Effect, Dewey. Both sound and light travel at a constant speed, but their wavelengths get shorter or longer depending on whether they’re moving towards you or away from you. Now put some pants on, you little freak.” 

-Dewey, malcolm in the middle. This quote is referring to why motorcycles get louder when they’re closer but it’s pretty much the same