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To: Citizen Tom Paine
The troposphere (the bottom layer of the atmosphere extending upward from the surface for 6 to 10 kilometers) is well mixed due to turbulence caused by surface friction.

And convective activity caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface plays a significant role, too. We glider pilots call 'em thermals, and, as such, that's where I got my name. I've seen grass, shingles, leaves, spiders (and webs), and many other "heavier than air" objects well over 5 km aloft thanks to thermal activity. I even once saw an ultralight airplane picked up about 5' off the ground, turned 180 degrees and gently sat back down, much to the amazement of all who watched and the guy sitting in the pilot's seat.

In fact, I'm headed out right now to explore for some of these some times elusive critters....wish me luck!

17 posted on 06/10/2007 9:23:52 AM PDT by Thermalseeker (Just the facts ma'am)
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To: Thermalseeker
We glider pilots call 'em thermals, and, as such, that's where I got my name.

KEWL!!

I've never been in a glider.

I bet it's a peaceful and quiet bast to experience.

25 posted on 06/10/2007 9:34:24 AM PDT by EGPWS (Trust in God, question everyone else)
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To: Thermalseeker

Good luck,you’ll need it.Everyone knows flight by intelligent design requires two rotors and much spewing of hot gases to overcome the gravity caused by the flatness of the earth.


55 posted on 06/10/2007 10:11:47 AM PDT by borntoraisehogs
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To: Thermalseeker
I've seen grass, shingles, leaves, spiders (and webs), and many other "heavier than air" objects well over 5 km aloft thanks to thermal activity.

I once had to swerve my aircraft to avoid a Walmart bag floating around at 3500'.

73 posted on 06/10/2007 11:27:15 AM PDT by Big Giant Head (I should change my tagline to "Big Giant Pancake on my Head")
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