Turbulence Explained: Why Planes Shake, Not Hit Objects, and How to Stay Safe

• Turbulence is the shaking or buffeting of a plane due to disrupted airflow, not hitting an object.
• Bad weather, especially cumulonimbus clouds, is a primary cause, with rapid up and down air currents.
• Jet streams, fast-moving air currents in the upper atmosphere, can cause jolts at their boundaries.
• Geographical conditions like mountains create air waves that affect planes flying over them.
• Modern aircraft are designed to withstand severe turbulence, and pilots are trained to manage it safely.

Why It Matters: Turbulence is a normal, safe phenomenon caused by air currents, not collisions; fasten seat belts.