What weather phenomenon is characterized by a sudden change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance?

Wind shear is defined as a rapid change in wind speed and/or direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere. This phenomenon can occur at any altitude and can significantly affect aircraft performance, particularly during takeoff and landing phases. Wind shear can lead to abrupt and potentially hazardous conditions for pilots, as it can cause sudden increases or decreases in lift, impacting the aircraft's ability to maintain stable flight.

In contrast, a funnel cloud refers to a rotating, visible condensation funnel that extends from a thunderstorm base but does not reach the ground, typically indicating the potential for tornado formation. Thermal inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, affecting weather patterns, but does not specifically relate to wind changes. A microburst is a very localized downburst that can occur during thunderstorms, characterized by strong downdrafts and a brief intense outflow of wind; while it is a form of wind shear, it is not as broadly defined as the general concept of wind shear itself.