Which type of turbulence is caused by very warm surface temperatures and uneven heating of the Earth's surface?

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Convective turbulence occurs due to the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which leads to the development of thermals—rising columns of warm air. When the sun heats the ground, certain areas warm up more quickly than others, creating differences in air temperature and pressure. This causes the warmer, lighter air to rise, resulting in convective currents. As these currents develop, they can create turbulence in the atmosphere, particularly at lower altitudes and during sunny, unstable weather conditions. This type of turbulence is often experienced during the daytime over land, especially in areas with varied terrain such as hills or mountains, where surface temperatures can differ significantly.

This understanding of convective turbulence highlights the importance of atmospheric heating patterns in weather and flying conditions, distinguishing it from other types of turbulence, which may be triggered by different factors.

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