Weather Theory

W I N D Figure 12-15. Turbulence caused by manmade obstructions. may “drop in” due to the turbulent air and be too low to clear a similar manner. As the air flows down the leeward side of obstacles during the approach. the mountain, the air follows the contour of the terrain and is increasingly turbulent. This tends to push an aircraft into This same condition is even more noticeable when flying in the side of a mountain. The stronger the wind, the greater the mountainous regions. [Figure 12-16] While the wind flows downward pressure and turbulence become. smoothly up the windward side of the mountain and the upward currents help to carry an aircraft over the peak of Due to the effect terrain has on the wind in valleys or canyons, the mountain, the wind on the leeward side does not act in downdrafts can be severe. Before conducting a flight in or WIND Figure 12-16. Turbulence in mountainous regions.