Ridge_lift

Ridge lift (or \'slope lift\') is created when a prevailing wind strikes a geologic obstacle that is large and steep enough to deflect the wind upward. If the wind is strong enough and the ridge high enough, it provides enough force for gliders to stay airborne for long durations or travel great distances. Long mountain ranges such as those found in the United States, New Zealand, and Chile have been used by glider pilots to fly in excess of a thousand kilometers in a single flight.

Ridge lift at the Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla, CA

See also

• Wave lift
• Hang gliding
• Paragliding
• Gliding
• Slope soaring
• Orographic lift

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