What phenomenon occurs due to wind currents of different directions or speeds?

Wind shear occurs when there is a change in wind speed or direction over a short distance in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is particularly significant in aviation because it can create sudden shifts in the winds that aircraft encounter during takeoff, landing, or in flight. It poses challenges for pilots as it can lead to abrupt changes in lift or control responsiveness.

Understanding wind shear is crucial for safety, as it can contribute to hazardous situations, especially in regions near mountains or during weather changes such as thunderstorms. While mechanical turbulence, convective turbulence, and clear air turbulence are important factors in understanding atmospheric conditions, they primarily describe different causes or manifestations of turbulence rather than directly addressing the effects of varying wind speeds or directions that constitute wind shear.