The air pressure variation caused by these types of shock waves generates a very sharp and loud sound known as the:

 Sonic boom is an impulsive noise that sounds like thunder. It is caused by an object moving faster than the speed of sound – approximately 750 miles per hour at sea level. An aircraft flying through the atmosphere continuously generates air-pressure waves similar to those produced by a ship's bow.

If a sound-producing source moves faster than the speed of sound, shock waves are created in the air. These shock waves are extremely powerful. The air pressure variation caused by these types of shock waves produces a very sharp and loud sound known as a "sonic boom." A supersonic aircraft's shock waves have enough energy to shatter window glass and even damage buildings.