The sound itself is a shock wave created by lightning. When a lightning strike heats the air to approximately , the air rapidly expands and then contracts as it cools. This explosive movement creates the pressure wave we hear as thunder. If you'd like to explore this further, DIY tips for recording your own storm sounds. Technical file formats best suited for audio production. The Sound of Thunder - Lightning - NOAA
Thunder sounds are categorized based on their loudness, duration, and pitch:
: Used to signify approaching danger, dramatic shifts, or to ground a scene in a specific environment.
: Historically, thunder was simulated using a "thunder sheet"—a large, thin metal sheet that is shaken to create a metallic boom.
Sound designers use several techniques to produce these effects:
: Irregular mixtures of various pitches and loudness levels.
: Lower-pitch sounds that can last longer than 30 seconds. Methods of Creation
