What is the cause of turbulence?

What is the cause of turbulence?

• A. Jet streams, storms, wind and any objects which could cause disruption to the smooth airflow, such as nearby mountain ranges.
• B. Solar flares.
• C. Cabin air conditioning changes.
• D. Passenger movement.

Answer: (A)

Turbulence comes from irregular air motion in the atmosphere. Jet streams, storms, and changes in wind speed or direction create uneven airflow that makes the aircraft shake. When air flows over mountains, it is disrupted and can become turbulent downstream as the flow re-stabilizes. This disruption to smooth airflow directly explains why turbulence happens, so this option fits best. Solar flares are space weather and don’t cause in-flight turbulence, cabin air conditioning changes don’t affect the air outside the aircraft, and passenger movement inside the cabin doesn’t create the external air disturbances that cause turbulence.

Turbulence comes from irregular air motion in the atmosphere. Jet streams, storms, and changes in wind speed or direction create uneven airflow that makes the aircraft shake. When air flows over mountains, it is disrupted and can become turbulent downstream as the flow re-stabilizes. This disruption to smooth airflow directly explains why turbulence happens, so this option fits best. Solar flares are space weather and don’t cause in-flight turbulence, cabin air conditioning changes don’t affect the air outside the aircraft, and passenger movement inside the cabin doesn’t create the external air disturbances that cause turbulence.