åskknallet

Åskknallet is a Swedish term that translates to "thunderclap" or "thunderclap sound." It specifically refers to the sudden, sharp, and loud noise produced by a lightning strike. This sound is a consequence of the rapid expansion of air caused by the intense heat of the lightning channel. The rapid heating causes the air to expand explosively, creating a shock wave that travels outward, which we perceive as thunder.

The intensity and duration of an åskknallet depend on several factors, including the distance of the lightning strike from the observer, the type of lightning (cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud), and atmospheric conditions. A close lightning strike will produce a very loud and sharp åskknallet, often described as a crack or a bang. Further away, the sound can be a low rumble as the shock wave dissipates and is affected by the Earth's surface and atmospheric layers. The phenomenon is an integral part of thunderstorms.