User Tools

Site Tools


courses:203:wx_theory

This is an old revision of the document!


203 - G - WX Theory

Composition of Atmosphere

Characteristics of Various Air Masses

Characteristics of Frontal Systems

Formation & Dangers of Thunderstorms

Formation of Fog & Clouds

Weather Hazards - Cold Weather Operation

Inflight Icing: Formation, Avoidance, and Escape

Turbulence & Clear Air Turbulence

A common location of clear air turbulence (CAT) and strong wind shear exists with a curving jet stream. This curve is created by an upper or lower low-pressure trough. The wind speed, shown by isotachs (lines of constant wind speed), decreases outward from the jet core. The greatest rate of decrease of wind speed is on the polar side as compared to the equatorial side. Strong wind shear and CAT can be expected on the low-pressure side or polar side of a jet stream where the speed at the core is greater than 110 knots. Air travels in a “corkscrew” path around the jet core with upward motion on the equatorial side. When high-level moisture is present, cirriform (cirrus) clouds may be visible, identifying the jet stream along with its associated turbulence.

Wind Shear, LLWS, Microbursts

Hydroplaning

courses/203/wx_theory.1519915011.txt.gz · Last modified: 2018/03/01 14:36 by evan