What leads to Mechanical turbulence?

Mechanical turbulence is primarily caused by wind moving over surface objects such as buildings, trees, and terrain features. As the wind encounters these obstacles, it is disrupted and causes chaotic air movements. This interaction creates turbulence because the varying heights and shapes of the objects create localized differences in airflow. For instance, when wind flows over a city with skyscrapers or through a forest, the wind speed and direction can change significantly, leading to turbulence both in the immediate vicinity and at different altitudes.

The other options relate to atmospheric processes but do not directly cause mechanical turbulence. Warm air rising is a characteristic of thermal turbulence, which occurs when warm air ascends, creating vertical currents. Temperature inversions involve layers of warmer air trapping cooler air beneath, leading to stable conditions rather than turbulence. High-altitude winds, often encountered in jet streams, relate more to the movement of air at great heights, which may create turbulence but is distinct from the mechanical effects observed near the surface due to obstacles.