What is turbulence in aviation?

Turbulence in aviation is defined as irregular or chaotic airflow that can significantly impact the stability of an aircraft. It is characterized by sudden changes in airspeed and direction, resulting from a variety of atmospheric conditions, such as wind shear, thunderstorms, or mountainous terrain. When an aircraft encounters turbulence, passengers may experience bumps or jolts due to the rapidly changing air around the aircraft, which can affect its control and flight path. Understanding turbulence is vital for pilots, as it helps them anticipate and manage the effects on their aircraft, ensuring safety and comfort during flight.

The other choices describe more stable, predictable conditions rather than the chaotic nature of turbulence. Stable airflow and regular patterns are associated with smooth flying conditions, which are the opposite of turbulence. The effects caused by a controlled descent relate more to flight operation techniques than to turbulence itself. Therefore, the characterization of turbulence as irregular or chaotic airflow highlights its nature and relevance in aviation safety and operations.