Thermal bubble
A detached parcel of warm air that breaks away from the ground and rises on its own.
Also known as
- bubble standard term
Terms and slang labels apply to this language. Usage may differ in other languages.
What it means
It contrasts with a continuous column fed from the ground and tends to form in wind or rough air, for example over towns. With no steady supply from below, the climb in a bubble is usually short-lived.
Example in context
Over the town only bubbles were breaking off, so I'd climb for a moment and then lose it again.
Sources and review
- FAA Glider Flying Handbook, Chapter 9 (Soaring Weather) (opens in a new tab)
- Cross Country: Thermal Flying part 1 – Thermals (Burkhard Martens) (opens in a new tab)
- Jakub Vrána — Paraglidingový slang: o termice (opens in a new tab)
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