What distinguishes turbulence from chop?

Turbulence is characterized by erratic and unpredictable changes in an aircraft's altitude and attitude, which can result from various atmospheric conditions such as wind shear, thermal differences, or obstacles affecting airflow. This phenomenon can create significant and sudden movements of the aircraft. On the other hand, chop refers to lighter, more consistent disruptions in smooth airflow, typically experienced as minor bumpiness without the dramatic altitude changes that turbulence causes.

Therefore, the distinction lies in the severity and nature of the motions: turbulence involves erratic altitude changes that can be unsettling for passengers, whereas chop generally leads to a gentle rocking sensation without altering the aircraft's overall altitude significantly. Understanding this difference is crucial for pilots and passengers alike when anticipating in-flight conditions.