[kleer-air] 
| atmospheric turbulence, sometimes severe, occurring in air devoid of clouds or other visible indicators that turbulence might be present. Abbreviation: CAT |
| clear-air turbulence (klîr'âr') n. Abbr. CAT Atmospheric turbulence that occurs under tranquil and cloudless conditions and subjects aircraft to strong updrafts and downdrafts. |
| clear-air turbulence (klîr'âr') Pronunciation Key
Atmospheric turbulence that occurs under tranquil and cloudless conditions at high altitudes near jet streams, mountain ranges, and developing storm systems. It subjects aircraft to strong updrafts and downdrafts. |
clear-air turbulence
erratic air currents that occur in cloudless air between altitudes of 7,000 and 12,000 metres (23,000 and 39,000 feet) and constitute a hazard to aircraft. This turbulence can be caused by small-scale (i.e., hundreds of metres and less) wind velocity gradients around the jet stream, where rapidly moving air is close to much slower air. It is most severe over mountainous areas and also occurs in the vicinity of thunderstorms.
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