Here is the current term:If below it different substantially compared to how it appears in your app/software, be sure to update your software/app's content prior to using this form.
Convective Current
Convective currents are a common cause of turbulence, especially at low altitudes. These currents are localized vertical air movements, both ascending and descending. For every rising current, there is a compensating downward current. The downward currents frequently occur over broader areas than do the upward currents, and therefore, they have a slower vertical speed than do the rising currents.
Convective currents are most active on warm summer afternoons when winds are light. Heated air at the surface creates a shallow, unstable layer, and the warm air is forced upward. Convection increases in strength and to greater heights as surface heating increases. Barren surfaces such as sandy or rocky wastelands and plowed fields become hotter than open water or ground covered by vegetation. Thus, air at and near the surface heats unevenly. Because of uneven heating, the strength of convective currents can vary considerably within short distances.
When cold air moves over a warm surface, it becomes unstable in lower levels. Convective currents extend several thousand feet above the surface resulting in rough, choppy turbulence when flying in the cold air. This condition often occurs in any season after the passage of a cold front.
source: Wikitionary / Wikipedia and Related Sources (Edited)
Please do not use this form to tell us that the definition you saw doesn't necessarily match the context where you saw it. We use an automated keyword-based system to match the tens of thousands of definitions in our glossaries with our material. Sometimes, when a term has more than one meaning or use or when an abbreviation might stand for more than one thing or resemble a 'normal' word, this results in a definition for a term being shown that doesn't necessarily match the context. Please do not report such issues here. Rather, please use your best judgment to evaluate whether such definitions apply to what you're reading. If the answer is 'no' but nevertheless you feel the term doen't have a good definition in our system but should, please go back and find the 'suggest a term' link in the app. Thanks!
We welcome your feedback.Please carefully fill out the specifics below. If you wish to comment on more than one term/definition, please fill out and submit this form separately for each.
Specifics:
Please Identify Yourself.It's important, so that we can get back to you with feedback or requests for clarification.
Name
E-Mail
Please enter your email address above solely for the purpose that our editorial team might, if necessary, contact you with questions, comments, or requests for clarification.