What is wind shear?

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wind shear is the change of wind direction and/or speed with height in the atmosphere

What is wind shear?

Wind shear is the change in wind speed or direction with height in the atmosphere. Wind shear is important for the formation of tornadoes and hail. Some amount of wind shear is common in the atmosphere. Larger values of wind shear exist near fronts, cyclones, and the jet stream. Wind shear in an atmospheric layer that is unstable can result in clear air turbulence.

In the context of aviation, wind shear refers to the change in wind with distance along a plane's flight path. If an aircraft experiences a sudden decrease in wind speed, it can reduce the lift on its wings to dangerously low values.

Interesting facts:

MAKING AIR TRAVEL SAFER Many airports now have wind shear detection equipment near the ends of runways to warn aircraft if it is too dangerous to land.

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