Wave soaring over flat terrain - investigations about the structure and origin of thermal waves

Abstract

Many glider pilots have encountered wave-like updrafts upstream of cumulus clouds (or blue thermals) and have been able to climb slowly, but consistently outside the cloud to well above cloud tops....  Thermal wave fights between cloud tops and 6 km altitude (or higher if aviation authorities allow it) are possible over the plains more often that has been assumed so far.  They should provide excellent possibilitits for cross-country soaring flights using widespread wave lift over flat terrain, provided there is moderate to strong vertical wind shear under and above the capping inversion.