Meteorology

Clear Air Turbulence(CAT)

Definition

Turbulence in cloud-free conditions, typically found near the jet stream and at boundaries of air masses at high altitude. CAT cannot be detected by radar and is a significant hazard to enroute aircraft.

Related Terms

Turbulence

Irregular atmospheric motion causing an aircraft to experience bumps, altitude c...

Jet Stream

A narrow band of strong winds (typically 100-200 knots) found at high altitudes ...

Tropopause

The boundary between the troposphere (where weather occurs) and the stratosphere...

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