Turbulence Flashcards

1
Q

Turbulence

A

Irregular motion of air resulting from the formation of eddies/ vertical currents in the air

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2
Q

4 main causes of turbulence

A
  1. Convective (thermal) currents
  2. Mechanical turbulence
  3. Wind shear
  4. Wake turbulence
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3
Q

Signs of stable air

A

Stratus type cloud/ fog
Low visibility when dust/ smoke/ fog are present
Steady precipitation
Consistent/ steady wind
IFR conditions for ceiling & visibility

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4
Q

Signs of unstable air

A

Cumuliform clouds
Good visibility
Gusty wind
Showery precipitation
Thunderstorms

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5
Q

2 categories of turbulence

A

Friction
Thermal

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6
Q

3 types of turbulence caused by friction

A

Mechanical turbulence
Shear turbulence
Frontal turbulence

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7
Q

2 types of turbulence initiated by heat

A

Daytime convection turbulence
Cold air advection turbulence

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8
Q

Intensities of turbulence

A

Light
Moderate
Severe

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9
Q

What determines the intensities of turbulence

A

Initiating lifting agent
Degree of stability of the air

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10
Q

Classification of downbursts

A

Macrobursts
Microbursts

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11
Q

Macroburst

A

Downburst 4km or more diameter
Last 5 - 20 min

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12
Q

Microburst

A

Downburst less than 4 km (2.2NM) in diameter
Less than 5 min

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13
Q

Virga

A

Precipitation falling but not reaching ground

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14
Q

2 types of wind shear

A

Directional shear
Speed shear

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15
Q

High level wind shear

A

Turbulence encountered at higher altitudes
Mainly associated with jet streams

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16
Q

Low level wind shear

A

Close proximity to ground
Associated with passing frontal systems and temperature inversion

17
Q

CAT

A

Clear air turbulence
Caused by violent wind shear entering/ leaving jet stream
No visual warning

18
Q

Turbulence vs chop

A

Turbulence: causes changes in altitude/ attitude
Chop: causes bumps but no noticeable change in altitude/ attitude