Fri, Feb 27, 2009
Aero-Terms!
Aero-Terms are designed to be a daily reminder of the terms,
names, acronyms and explanations of the unique language that
populates the aviation world. Aerospace, sport aviation, fixed
wing, helo, you name it... it's all fair game.
Aero-Terms should serve as a quick but intriguing reminder of
the terms you may use every day, or an introduction to an aspects
of the Aero-World you may not yet be familiar with. ANN also
encourages readers to go beyond the FMI link, and further research
any intriguing terms.
Suggestions for future Aero-Terms are ALWAYS
welcome, as are additions or discussion of the
explanations given for each Aero-Term.
Cloud Suck
A phenomenon commonly known in paragliding and hang gliding
where pilots experience significant lift due to a thermal under the
base of cumulus clouds, especially towering cumulus and
cumulonimbus. The vertical extent of a cumulus cloud is a strong
indicator of the level of lift beneath it, and the potential for
cloud suck. Cloud suck commonly occurs in low pressure weather and
in humid conditions. Cloud suck is typically associated with an
increase in thermal updraft velocity near cloud base. As a parcel
of air lifted in a thermal rises, it also cools, and water vapor
will eventually condense to form a cloud if the parcel rises above
the lifted condensation level. As the water vapor condenses, it
releases its latent heat of vaporization, thereby increasing the
buoyancy of the parcel. The updraft is amplified by this latent
heat release.
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