Clear air turbulence

Clear air turbulence is like the bumps you feel in a car when you're driving on a bumpy road, but it happens in the sky when you're on a plane. It's called "clear air" turbulence because you can't see it like you can see clouds or bad weather.

When a plane is flying, it's moving through the air like a boat moves through water. Just like how sometimes the water can be smooth and calm, and sometimes it can be rough with waves, the air can be smooth or bumpy too. That's what causes clear air turbulence.

Sometimes, when there are different layers of air moving in different directions or at different speeds, the plane can hit a rough patch of air. This can cause the plane to shake, jolt, or bounce. It can be scary, but it's usually not dangerous.

Pilots are trained to expect clear air turbulence and will usually try to avoid it if they can, but sometimes it's impossible to predict. That's why it's important to always wear your seatbelt when you're on a plane, just like how you wear your seatbelt in a car. The seatbelt will help keep you safe if the plane hits a patch of turbulent air.