What is thermal turbulence?

What is thermal turbulence?

• A. Wind shear caused by multiple weather fronts
• B. Turbulence caused by rising warm air and cooler surrounding air
• C. Affect of weather systems on high-altitude flights
• D. Calm air influenced by sea breezes

Answer: (B)

Thermal turbulence arises primarily from the movement of air due to temperature differences in the atmosphere. When warm air rises, it creates unstable conditions, particularly when it moves upward into cooler surrounding air. This vertical motion is a result of the heat from the ground warming the air above it, which then becomes less dense and rises. As this warm air ascends, it can lead to fluctuations in airflow, resulting in turbulence. Therefore, the definition provided accurately describes this phenomenon, as it focuses on the interaction between warm air that is rising and the cooler air surrounding it, which is a fundamental characteristic of thermal turbulence.

Thermal turbulence arises primarily from the movement of air due to temperature differences in the atmosphere. When warm air rises, it creates unstable conditions, particularly when it moves upward into cooler surrounding air. This vertical motion is a result of the heat from the ground warming the air above it, which then becomes less dense and rises. As this warm air ascends, it can lead to fluctuations in airflow, resulting in turbulence. Therefore, the definition provided accurately describes this phenomenon, as it focuses on the interaction between warm air that is rising and the cooler air surrounding it, which is a fundamental characteristic of thermal turbulence.