What causes mechanical turbulence?

Mechanical turbulence is primarily caused by the interaction of wind with terrain features. When wind flows over or around obstacles such as hills, buildings, trees, or other structures, it disrupts the smooth flow of air. This disruption results in eddies and turbulence, which can vary in intensity depending on the size and shape of the terrain features. The roughness of the terrain plays a crucial role in determining how the wind behaves, and this can create localized disturbances in the air, leading to mechanical turbulence.

In contrast, while warm air rising and wind shear are important atmospheric phenomena, they relate more to thermal and dynamic disturbances rather than mechanical turbulence specifically caused by terrain features. Pressure differences in air masses also contribute to various forms of turbulence but do not directly cause mechanical turbulence in the context defined by interaction with the ground or obstacles. Understanding mechanical turbulence is essential for pilots and those involved in aviation, as it can affect flight comfort and safety.