Advanced Weather Phenomena for Aviation
wind shear
This weather condition, characterized by large, sudden shifts in wind direction and speed, can be dangerous during takeoff and landing.
stratus cloud
This cloud type forms low in the atmosphere and often brings rain or drizzle.
convection
This term refers to the rising of warm air and the sinking of cooler air, which creates atmospheric circulation.
METAR report
This type of weather report is commonly used by pilots to receive real-time weather updates at an airport.
National Weather Service (NWS)
This is the primary global weather forecasting service for aviation, providing data and weather reports.
mechanical turbulence
This type of turbulence occurs when aircraft fly through a boundary between different air masses, usually due to changes in wind speed and direction.
cumulus cloud
This cloud type is typically associated with fair weather and appears as fluffy, white clouds.
What causes Earth's rotation?
The Coriolis effect causes moving air to deflect in different directions based on what factor?
"light" (or "LL")
This code in a METAR report indicates light winds of 5 knots or less.
Weather radar
This weather tool, used by pilots, displays radar images of precipitation, helping detect thunderstorms.
fog
This weather phenomenon, which reduces visibility to less than 3 miles, is a significant factor in flight planning for takeoff and landing.
cumulonimbus cloud
This type of cloud is often seen during or before thunderstorms, characterized by towering, anvil-shaped structures.
Maritime tropical (mT) air mass
This type of air mass is typically warm and moist, originating over the oceans.
the typical period that a TAF covers
What is 24 hours
infrared satellite images
These satellite images show cloud cover and are useful for tracking weather systems over large areas.
convective turbulence
When thunderstorms form, pilots must be aware of this phenomenon, where upward air currents can create severe turbulence and even downdrafts.
cirrostratus clouds
These high-altitude clouds, composed of ice crystals, can signal fair weather, but can also precede a change in weather.
adiabatic cooling
The process by which air cools as it rises, often resulting in the formation of clouds, is known as what?
In a METAR report, this part of the report describes the current temperature and dew point.
What is the temperature/dew point group (e.g., "12/M03")?
Automatic Weather Observing System (AWOS)
This type of weather observation station is commonly located at airports and provides essential data, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
microburst
This severe weather phenomenon can create a vertical wind vortex, causing sudden, powerful updrafts and downdrafts, and is particularly hazardous to aviation during the approach and landing phases.
cirrus clouds
These clouds form in the upper atmosphere, often leading to turbulence at cruising altitude and appearing as wispy streaks.
temperature inversion
This atmospheric phenomenon occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air below, often leading to reduced visibility and potentially hazardous conditions.
"RVR" (Runway Visual Range)
This term in a METAR indicates the visibility at the airport is reduced to less than 1/4 mile.
Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) system
This global satellite system provides real-time weather data and images, which are used to monitor atmospheric conditions, track storms, and support weather forecasting.