Why do planes shake when going through clouds?
Usually it's cumuliform (puffy) clouds that do this. While enough moisture in the air will cause clouds to form, any source of lifting will cause these clouds to fluff up. That air movement will, obviously, also effect the airplane and push it around.
The Short Answer
Usually it's cumuliform (puffy) clouds that do this. While enough moisture in the air will cause clouds to form, any source of lifting will cause these clouds to fluff up. That air movement will, obviously, also effect the airplane and push it around. It's basically the same as turbulence you get in clear air. The lifting can be thermals (heat rising from the ground), orographic lift (air pushing up rising terrain), or just convection as different air temperatures mix around (the kind of thing that drives a storm). Any movement of air will move the plane around the same way it moves the air. Pay attention next time you fly through a thin little cloud (stratiform), there will probably be very minimal, if any, turbulence (shaking).
Analysis
Key Concepts: Clouds, around, it's
This explanation focuses on clouds, around, it's and spans 126 words across 7 sentences. At 68% above the average Technology explanation (75 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Usually it's cumuliform (puffy) clouds that do this.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 7 connected points.
How This Compares in Technology
Ranked #79 of 500 Technology questions by answer depth (top 17%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why planes shake when going through clouds?
Usually it's cumuliform (puffy) clouds that do this. While enough moisture in the air will cause clouds to form, any source of lifting will cause these clouds to fluff up. That air movement will, obviously, also effect the airplane and push it…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Technology questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 126 words, ranked #79 of 500 Technology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are clouds, around, it's.
What approach does this answer take to explain planes shake when going through clouds?
The explanation uses root cause analysis across 126 words. It is categorized under Technology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.