What causes a turbulence on a plane?

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Joe

Turbulence is "the random chaotic swirling of the air."

Turbulence can be caused by many factors, the first of which is mechanical turbulence. If flowing air, such as wind, hits an object - usually a hill or mountain - the flow of that air is disrupted, causing turbulence.

Another form of turbulence is thermal turbulence. Thermal turbulence is created by differential heating. If you have a paved parking lot next to a lake, the pavement is going to get much hotter. Since hot air rises and cool air sinks, the air over the parking lot will be rising but the air over the lake will not, therefore the sir is not moving uniformly, which causes turbulence.

The third and final cause of turbulence is shear turbulence. If you know what wind shear is, then you probably already understand this, but just in case, I'll explain. Wind shear is two layers of air, moving different speeds and directions. Shear turbulence is most noticeable when passing through the shearing level. Imagine two rivers on top of one another, going different directions - now imagine swimming from one to the other - you're going to get beat around a bit.

Hope this helps :)

old know all

Planes stay up because the shape of the wings causes high pressure underneath and low pressure on top. The pressure difference is just right to keep the plane in the air. If the air had constant density, all air travel would be smooth.

Where there is a lot of water vapour in the air (especially in and around clouds) the density of the air varies a lot. The pressure across the wing gets out of balance and the plane rises or falls making you feel dizzy and throwing your drink all over your lap.

cherub

lots of cloud and windy conditions.

katem1992

If there are air pockets under the plane then it causes it to bounce.

M M

Turbulence is air movement that normally cannot be seen. It may occur when the sky appears to be clear and can happen unexpectedly. It can be created by any number of different conditions, including atmospheric pressures, jet streams, mountain waves, cold or warm fronts, or thunderstorms.

angelinyourdreams99_us

the clouds. my other half informs me its like a car driving along with their being holes in the road.

princessnicola23

the clouds!
the plane has to fly thru the clouds so it can get bumpy!
x

assassin

a simple explanation: turbulence is a combinition of wind and air density such as clouds. it is a similar effect to driving a car on a road and then going through a big puddle of water, this affects the steering and direction of travel. when planes go through thicker air it alters the dynamics of flight which can cause to plane to bounce around, usually this is easily controlled by the` pilot

Polo

Flatulence. lol

robbief1999

Wind from lousy airline food.

Delta Virtual Airlines #3438

I like to think of it as a road. You have bumps in the road that causes turbulence. The aircraft hits pockets of air that are unstable with the rest of the air and causes the aircraft to hit the "bumps."

I hope this was a good analogy!

migdalski

Variations in temperature and windspeed at high altitude.

NOT TELLING YOU LOL

well i was told this by a pilot as i used to be scared from it is just the same a swhen you drive a car you hit small bumps on the road, its just air pockets in the sky
nothing really to worry about

2 good 2 miss

Turbulence is air movement that normally cannot be seen and often occurs unexpectedly. It can be created by many different conditions, including atmospheric pressure, jet streams, air around mountains, cold or warm weather fronts or thunderstorms. Turbulence can even occur when the sky appears to be clear.

Amanda

Turbulence

A common wintertime turbulence called "mountain wave" is produced when the jet stream is at a lower altitude. Like water flowing in a river with small eddies, wind flowing over obstacles such as mountains cause turbulence. Mountain wave turbulence is typically found just east of the Rocky Mountains during strong jet stream activity. Weather forecasters are experienced at predicting this type of turbulence because it is easy to track the location of the jet stream. Often we change cruising altitudes to minimize its annoying affects.

Turbulence can also be caused by shifting wind currents in the sky. When you transition from one wind current to another, such as crossing a weather front, the air can get stirred up. Planes flying through these transition areas can experience some turbulence. Again, it may be annoying, but not a problem.

One of the more common types of daytime turbulence is called "convective turbulence". As the sun warms the ground hot air rises and makes the air bumpy. You may see evidence of this by small, puffy shaped clouds.
This type of turbulence is normally felt at the lower altitudes during takeoff and landing on hot sunny afternoons. It poses no danger and is rarely classified as anything but light or mild turbulence. Birds such as hawks and eagles use this rising energy of hot air to soar above fields allowing them to effortlessly search for prey.

There are many sources of information about turbulence available to pilots. We get information from the weather service, our company dispatch, ATC, other aircraft, and our own observation of the sky and cloud formations.
People often misunderstand turbulence. When encountering turbulence, nervous passengers may feel that the plane is falling out of the sky. It is natural to only feel the "down" bumps, but for every "down" bump there is an "up" bump. The "downs" are just more noticeable.

skybelle24

clouds..air pockets..etc

:) Anfield

What is turbulence?
Turbulence is air movement that normally cannot be seen. It may occur when the sky appears to be clear and can happen unexpectedly. It can be created by any number of different conditions, including atmospheric pressures, jet streams, mountain waves, cold or warm fronts, or thunderstorms.

Different intensities of turbulence
Light turbulence - briefly causes slight, erratic changes in altitude and/or attitude.

Light chop - slight, rapid and somewhat rhythmic bumpiness without noticeable changes in altitude or attitude.

Moderate turbulence - similar to light turbulence, but greater intensity. Changes in altitude/attitude occur. Aircraft remains in control at all times. Variations in indicated air speed.

Moderate chop - similar to light chop, but greater intensity. Rapid bumps or jolts without obvious changes in altitude or attitude.

Severe turbulence - large, abrupt changes in altitude/attitude. Large variation in indicated airspeed. Aircraft may be temporarily out of control.

Extreme turbulence - aircraft is violently tossed about and is impossible to control. May cause structural damage.

The reactions inside aircraft vary from occupants feeling slight strain against their seat belts and unsecured items being slightly displaced, through to occupants being forced violently against seat-belts, and unsecured items being being tossed about. (Imagine what it would be like if you were not wearing a seat belt!)

Clear air turbulence
There are several notable problems with clear air turbulence:

It cannot always be foreseen so there is no warning.
It is usually felt at its mildest in the flight deck and is generally more severe in the aft section.
It can occur when no clouds are visible.
Aircraft radars can't detect it.
It is common at high altitudes, where cruising airline suddenly enter turbulent areas.
Turbulence is the leading cause of in-flight injuries. There are countless reports of occupants who were seriously injured while moving about the passenger cabin when clear air turbulence is encountered.

The causes
Thermals - Heat from the sun makes warm air masses rise and cold ones sink.
Jet streams - Fast, high-altitude air currents shift, disturbing the air nearby.
Mountains - Air passes over mountains and causes turbulence as it flows above the air on the other side.
Wake turbulence - Near the ground a passing plane or helicopter sets up small, chaotic air currents, or
Microbursts - A storm or a passing aircraft stirs up a strong downdraft close to the ground.

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