Shock Wave
Shock Wave, a compression wave that moves through a material at a speed greater than the speed at which the material transmits ordinary sound waves. The material may be a gas, liquid, or solid. Shock waves are caused by sudden, strong disturbances generated by such phenomena as explosions, earthquakes, and lightning. Shock waves are also created by aircraft flying faster than the speed of sound. These shock waves are often heard as sonic booms.
The passage of a shock wave is marked by a sharp increase in pressure, density, and temperature. Strong shock waves transfer a considerable amount of energy to anything in their path. Much of the damage done by explosions and earthquakes is caused by the shock waves they produce.