What type of waves are formed when stable air flows over a mountain, producing severe turbulence?

What type of waves are formed when stable air flows over a mountain, producing severe turbulence?

• A. Clear air turbulence
• B. Mountain waves
• C. Cumuliform clouds
• D. Temperature inversions

Answer: (B)

When stable air flows over a mountain, it creates a specific phenomenon known as mountain waves. These waves occur due to the topography of the terrain—when stable air encounters an obstruction like a mountain, it is forced to rise, creating a wave pattern as it moves over the peak. The stability of the air is crucial; it means that the air is less likely to rise on its own and is more susceptible to disturbance when encountering the mountain. As the air flows down the other side, it can generate severe turbulence, especially in the descending air, leading to potential challenges for aircraft. Mountain waves are characterized by oscillations and can lead to significant changes in wind patterns, contributing to turbulence. This type of turbulence is distinct from other forms, such as clear air turbulence, which occurs without visual cues in clear skies and does not necessarily involve mountains, and not linked to cloud formations or temperature inversions which are related concepts but do not directly describe the wave phenomenon produced by mountains.

When stable air flows over a mountain, it creates a specific phenomenon known as mountain waves. These waves occur due to the topography of the terrain—when stable air encounters an obstruction like a mountain, it is forced to rise, creating a wave pattern as it moves over the peak. The stability of the air is crucial; it means that the air is less likely to rise on its own and is more susceptible to disturbance when encountering the mountain. As the air flows down the other side, it can generate severe turbulence, especially in the descending air, leading to potential challenges for aircraft.

Mountain waves are characterized by oscillations and can lead to significant changes in wind patterns, contributing to turbulence. This type of turbulence is distinct from other forms, such as clear air turbulence, which occurs without visual cues in clear skies and does not necessarily involve mountains, and not linked to cloud formations or temperature inversions which are related concepts but do not directly describe the wave phenomenon produced by mountains.