What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate the causes of clear air turbulence at medium altitudes during flights between Melbourne and Sydney.

February 5, 2026

A case of clear air turbulence at medium altitudes

Key Points

To investigate the causes of clear air turbulence at medium altitudes during flights between Melbourne and Sydney.
Analysis of turbulence incidents reported by D.C. 6 aircraft flying at medium altitudes.
Evaluation of environmental factors that contribute to turbulence, including hydrostatic instability and Richardson criteria.
Assessment of terrain effects on turbulence occurrence.
Severe turbulence was reported at altitudes between 11,000 and 19,000 feet.
Only the terrain factor was non-eliminable, indicating its significant influence on turbulence.
Hydrostatic instability and Richardson criteria were evaluated but found less critical in this case.

Abstract

D.C. 6 aircraft flying at altitudes between 11,000 and 19,000 feet between Melbourne and Sydney on 7th July, 19540 reported severe turbulence in clear air above cloud with a marked limit of turbulence to the northwest. Various factors favouring turbulence in the atmosphere – hydrostatic instability, Richardson criteria, and terrain are considered and it is shown that the last is the only factor which cannot be eliminated.

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