Turbulence is a prominent topic in aviation that has recently garnered even more attention worldwide, with an increased frequency of extreme events making national headlines across the world. 

With many fliers naturally anxious about this hazard to flying, this article will help explain what turbulence is, what causes it, and why it appears to be getting worse. 

What Is Turbulence?

Officially defined, turbulence is “A violent or unsteady movement of air or water, or some other fluid”. As we are on the topic of aviation, only air turbulence will be covered. Specifically in that realm, there are two main sources of turbulence for an aircraft, cloud/thunderstorm-induced turbulence and clear air turbulence.

Both are equally hazardous, and have the potential to cause damage to aircraft if not avoided or exited upon encountering it. Turbulence can be rated across a multitude of categories, from as small as a light chop, all the way up to extreme turbulence, which by definition states “the aircraft can be out of control at all times”.