What type of wind shear results from winds blowing from different directions?

Directional shear refers to the variation in wind direction at different altitudes or distances. This phenomenon occurs when there are winds blowing from different directions, leading to changes in wind vector characteristics, which can significantly affect aircraft performance, especially during takeoff and landing phases. Pilots must be aware of directional shear because it can create challenging flying conditions, such as sudden changes in lift or control responses as the aircraft transitions through layers of differing wind direction.

Speed shear, on the other hand, involves changes in wind speed rather than direction, and does not directly address the scenario where winds are blowing from different orientations. Constant shear relates to more stable wind conditions where wind vectors do not change significantly over time, while static shear does not specifically describe variations in wind direction or speed but rather involves conditions that remain relatively unchanged. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for pilots to navigate safely through varying atmospheric conditions.