***Definition*** :: When mountain waves are present, it is quite common for a rotor zone to develop near or below ridge level on the downwind side of the mountain, under a wave crest and associated lenticular cloud (if sufficient moisture is present). This is an area of potentially severe-to-extreme wind shear and turbulence. ***Source*** :: [[Aviation Weather Handbook]] https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA511478.pdf > [!warning] > Flight through or beneath a rotor zone should be avoided! They have been known to rip apart aircraft. ![[Mountain Waves and Associated Clouds.jpeg]] ![[Mountain Cloud Examples.jpeg]] #glossary