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If you were right next to Krakatoa when it erupted, the recorded sound would likely be different compared to a recording taken from a distance, such as the one from Australia. The difference in sound would be influenced by several factors, including the distance from the source, the intensity of the eruption, and the local environmental conditions.

  1. Proximity to the source: Being close to Krakatoa during the eruption would expose you to the full intensity of the sound waves generated by the volcanic activity. The recorded sound would capture the raw power and intensity of the eruption, including the explosive sounds, rumblings, and possibly even infrasound waves that may not be perceptible to the human ear.

  2. Sound propagation and environmental conditions: Sound waves can be affected by the medium through which they travel and the atmospheric conditions. When you're close to Krakatoa, the sound waves would propagate directly through the air, possibly with minimal interference. However, as the sound travels to a distant location like Australia, it encounters various atmospheric conditions, such as wind, temperature gradients, and air density changes, which can affect the sound's quality, frequency content, and overall propagation.

  3. Ambient noise: The recording made in Australia would also include ambient noise from the surrounding environment, such as background sounds, wind, and other factors specific to the recording location. This ambient noise could influence the overall character of the recording and potentially mask or interfere with some aspects of the eruption sounds.

As for the audible range, if you were at a distance where the eruption sounds were still audible, the recording would capture the audible portion of the eruption. The sound would likely have traveled a considerable distance, and some high-frequency components may have attenuated or dispersed due to the propagation medium (air) and environmental factors. The resulting recording might have a different tonal quality compared to being right next to the eruption, but it would still represent the audible aspects of the sound.

In summary, the recording obtained right next to Krakatoa during the eruption would likely have a distinct and intense character, capturing the full impact of the volcanic activity. As the recording distance increases, the sound may be influenced by atmospheric conditions and other environmental factors, leading to variations in tonal quality and frequency content.

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