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….A Tricky Business. Overview. 1. Terrain Factors 2. Turbulence 3. Normal Weather Patterns. Terrain Factors. The presence of mountain ranges change the characteristics of a front. As air masses enter the United States the mountains cause them to rise.
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Overview 1. Terrain Factors 2. Turbulence 3. Normal Weather Patterns
Terrain Factors • The presence of mountain ranges change the characteristics of a front. • As air masses enter the United States the mountains cause them to rise. • Along many seacoasts there is a breeze from the sea by day. This moist, relatively cool air rises and heats as it passes across land. • Convectional clouds form and bring afternoon showers. (Gulf Coast)
Altimeter • An altimeter is essentially a barometer measuring air pressure returning altitude influenced by: • Temperature • Pressure Fronts
Turbulence • Thermal Turbulence • Intense surface heating causes convection currents. • More intense convection currents occur over dark-colored ground. • Less convection currents will be over light-colored ground. • Because velocity varies turbulent conditions are expected.
Turbulence • Thermal Turbulence • Presents the biggest problem for aviators during landing. • To eliminate during normal flight, climb above clouds. • When cumulus clouds are present, convection currents and thermal turbulence exists.
Turbulence • Mechanical Turbulence - Low Level • Results from strong wind gusts over rough terrain or manmade features. • Produces turbulent eddies below 500 feet.
Turbulence • Mechanical Turbulence - Wake Turbulence • Caused by aircraft flying through air. • Presents a major hazard to another aircraft following too close. • Most hazardous during landings and takeoffs.
Turbulence • Wind Shear - Low Level Wind Shear (LLWS) • Occurs below 10,000 feet. • Primarily caused by frontal systems, low level jet streams and thunderstorms. • Occurs rapidly.
Turbulence • Wind shear - Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) • Occurs above 15,000 feet. • Not restricted to clear skies. • Turbulence occurs in vicinity of upper level jetstream.
Normal Weather Patterns • Hawaii • Two major factors determine weather. • Dramatic heights and contours of land areas. • Prevailing northeast trade winds. • Pleasant temperatures. • Little distinctions between summer and winter.
Normal Weather Patterns • Alaska • Has several different kinds of weather. • No great extremes in southern part of state. • Arctic slope lies in northern part of state. • Broad valley and low mountain ranges. • Continental weather. • Temperatures from -70o F in winter to 90o F in summer.
Summary 1. Terrain Factors 2. Turbulence 3. Normal Weather Patterns