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

Higher frequencies get absorbed much faster while lower frequencies can penetrate solid objects better. This is not specific to thunder, but all sound in general. When things get further away, the sound tends to get duller. That roll is still there when close, but our ears are going to more notice the higher frequencies since those frequencies allow us to better hear approaching predators.

There is also the Fletcher-Munson curve which is that the louder a sound is (which comes with proximity usually) the more the very high and low frequencies get boosted by our ears. That’s why often turning up the music sounds better. Because it has more top and bottom end the louder it gets.

Answer 2

Higher frequencies get absorbed much faster while lower frequencies can penetrate solid objects better. This is not specific to thunder, but all sound in general. When things get further away, the sound tends to get duller. That roll is still there when close, but our ears are going to more notice the higher frequencies since those frequencies allow us to better hear approaching predators.

There is also the Fletcher-Munson curve which is that the louder a sound is (which comes with proximity usually) the more the very high and low frequencies get boosted by our ears. That’s why often turning up the music sounds better. Because it has more top and bottom end the louder it gets.