What is the typical cause of thermal turbulence?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The typical cause of thermal turbulence stems from warm surfaces creating vertical currents. When the sun heats the ground, the air close to the surface warms up as well. Since warm air is less dense than cooler air, this warm air begins to rise, forming upward vertical currents known as thermals. As these thermals ascend, they can lead to turbulence as they interact with surrounding cooler air, resulting in an uneven flow of air that pilots often experience as bumps during flight.

In contrast, changes in wind direction can lead to turbulence but are more associated with mechanical turbulence rather than thermal effects. Similarly, airflow over large mountains can create orographic turbulence, which is different from turbulence caused by thermal effects. Lastly, while cold fronts entering warm air masses do create turbulence, this phenomenon is tied more closely to dynamic processes than to the thermal processes involved in the formation of thermal turbulence.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy