What is wind shear?

Wind shear refers to a rapid change in wind velocity, which can occur in both horizontal and vertical directions. This phenomenon is particularly significant because it can create hazardous conditions for aircraft during takeoff and landing, as sudden changes in wind speed can affect the lift and control of the aircraft. Understanding wind shear is crucial for pilots, as it can lead to situations such as microbursts or turbulence, which pose challenges in maintaining safe flight.

While options such as a sudden change in temperature and a steady breeze relate to atmospheric conditions, they do not specifically define wind shear, which is characterized solely by changes in wind velocity. A gradual change in wind direction, although relevant to airflow, also does not encompass the essence of wind shear as it typically implies a smooth transition rather than the abrupt changes associated with wind shear events.