Wind shear

Wind shear is a change in wind speed or direction across a distance in the atmosphere. It can occur vertically or horizontally and over short or long distances.

Atmospheric pressure gradient: A spatial change in atmospheric pressure that drives air from higher toward lower pressure. Pressure differences create winds whose strength can vary across nearby locations.
Low-level wind shear: Wind shear occurring close to the ground, especially within the lower atmosphere. It can alter aircraft performance during takeoff and landing.
Vertical wind shear: A change in wind speed or direction with altitude. It is the vertical form of the broader wind-shear phenomenon.
Wind shear turbulence: Turbulence produced when differences in wind velocity destabilize the surrounding airflow. It is a direct atmospheric consequence of sufficiently strong shear.
Coriolis effect: The apparent deflection of moving air and water caused by Earth's rotation. Its influence changes with latitude and height, contributing to shifts in wind direction.
Microburst: A small, intense downdraft that spreads outward after reaching the ground. Its divergent outflow creates dangerous wind shear near airports.
Horizontal wind shear: A change in wind speed or direction across horizontal distance at a given altitude. It distinguishes lateral wind changes from changes with height.
Downburst: A powerful downdraft that strikes the ground and spreads outward in damaging winds. Downbursts create intense, rapidly changing winds that can expose aircraft to shear.
Atmospheric boundary layer: The lowest part of the atmosphere, directly influenced by Earth's surface. Surface friction often produces strong vertical wind changes within this layer.
Clear-air turbulence: Turbulence in cloud-free air, often associated with strong upper-level wind gradients. Wind shear near jet streams can produce turbulence without visible warning clouds.

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