About nitrogen cycle

[biochemical]

In nitrogen cycle it's stated that the thunder can change N2 in the air into nitrates. How can we explain this? I mean, how can thunder (it's a kind of sonic shockwave that usually within a bolt of lightning, I think) change nitrogen into nitrates in the air? How's the process?

Any helps will be highly appreciated

[MrMistery]

it's lightning that does it, not thunder. the immense energy is enough to break through the activation energy of the reaction of nitrogen oxidation. but be aware, that this only a minor source. the same thing happens on a much larger scale in the upper stratosphere with UV light as a catalyst.