Sound generally travels better in a downward direction, from higher levels to lower levels, rather than from lower levels to higher levels. This is because of the way sound waves interact with the Earth's atmosphere and the effects of gravity.
When sound travels upwards, it encounters a phenomenon called atmospheric attenuation or air absorption. As sound waves propagate through the atmosphere, they interact with air molecules, which causes the sound energy to gradually dissipate. Higher frequencies are more susceptible to attenuation, which means that high-pitched sounds tend to weaken more rapidly than low-pitched sounds when traveling upward.
Additionally, gravity affects the transmission of sound waves. Sound waves traveling upward have to work against the force of gravity, which tends to pull them down and disperse their energy. As a result, sound waves lose some of their intensity and clarity when propagating against gravity.
On the other hand, when sound travels downward, it benefits from gravity, which aids its propagation. Sound waves moving in the same direction as gravity experience less dispersal, allowing them to maintain their intensity and reach greater distances. This is why sound tends to be clearer and more easily heard when it originates from a higher level and travels downward.
It's worth noting that the specific conditions of the environment, such as temperature, humidity, and wind, can also influence the transmission of sound waves. But in general, sound travels more effectively from higher levels to lower levels due to the combined effects of atmospheric attenuation and gravity.