How would you define "turbulence" in meteorological terms?

Turbulence in meteorology refers specifically to the irregular and chaotic changes in wind speed and direction. This phenomenon can occur at various altitudes and can be caused by several factors, including atmospheric instability, terrain interactions, or strong weather systems. The chaotic nature of turbulence makes it distinct from other types of airflow.

For instance, steady and smooth airflow represents a laminar state, where air moves in parallel layers with minimal mixing, which is opposite to turbulence. Similarly, regular wind patterns indicate consistent and predictable flow, lacking the disruptive characteristics of turbulence. Lastly, while consistent temperature gradients can influence atmospheric stability, they do not define turbulence itself. The essence of turbulence lies in its irregularity and unpredictability, which are accurately captured by the definition of irregular changes in wind speed and direction.