äikeväljendab

äikeväljendab is an Estonian term that translates to "thunder expression" or "thunder manifestation." It refers to the audible and visible phenomena associated with a thunderstorm. This includes the rumbling or crashing sound of thunder, which is caused by the rapid expansion of air heated by a lightning strike, and the visual spectacle of lightning itself. The intensity and duration of äikeväljendab can vary significantly depending on the power of the storm.

The scientific explanation for thunder is rooted in the physics of lightning. When a lightning bolt travels through the atmosphere, it superheats the surrounding air to extremely high temperatures. This sudden and intense heating causes the air to expand explosively, creating a powerful shockwave. This shockwave propagates through the air as sound waves, which we perceive as thunder. The distance from the lightning strike influences the delay between seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder, as light travels much faster than sound.

The term äikeväljendab encompasses both the auditory and visual aspects, highlighting the complete experience of a thunderstorm. While thunder is a consequence of lightning, the term emphasizes the overall manifestation of the storm's electrical activity. Different types of thunder, such as a sharp crack or a low rumble, are often associated with different characteristics of the lightning discharge. The study of these phenomena falls under meteorology and atmospheric physics.