What does the term "wind shear" refer to?

Wind shear refers specifically to a change in wind direction and/or speed with altitude. This phenomenon is critical in aviation and meteorology because it can significantly impact aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff and landing phases.

When wind shear occurs, it can create abrupt shifts in airspeed and can lead to turbulence that poses challenges for pilots. For instance, if a plane is climbing through an area where wind speed increases rapidly with altitude, this could result in an unexpected loss of lift. Similarly, changes in wind direction can alter the aircraft's trajectory and control.

In understanding the concept of wind shear, it's important to note the difference between simple changes in wind speed (which could occur without a change in direction) versus the combined variability of both speed and direction that characterizes true wind shear. This concept is also crucial for flight safety and is often monitored in weather forecasts and real-time atmospheric conditions.