Here's a breakdown:
* Turbulent eddy: A swirling mass of air created by turbulence. Turbulence is chaotic and irregular air movement, often caused by wind interacting with terrain.
* Horizontal axis: The rotor rotates around an axis that is parallel to the ground.
* Lee of the mountain: The side of the mountain that is sheltered from the wind.
How rotors form:
1. Airflow over the mountain: As wind flows over a mountain, it is forced upwards on the windward side.
2. Downward flow on the leeward side: On the leeward side, the air descends, often forming a strong downdraft.
3. Rotation: The interaction of the upward flow on the windward side and the downward flow on the leeward side creates a rotating air mass, forming the rotor.
Characteristics of rotors:
* Strong winds: Rotors can generate strong winds, potentially dangerous for aviation.
* Turbulence: They are characterized by extreme turbulence, making flight through them difficult.
* Visual cues: Rotors can sometimes be seen as swirling clouds or dust devils in the lee of a mountain.
Significance:
Rotors pose a significant hazard to aircraft, especially small aircraft. They can cause sudden changes in altitude and airspeed, making it difficult for pilots to control the aircraft.
