Which side of the jetstream is generally more turbulent?

Turbulence in the jetstream is more pronounced on the polar side due to the significant temperature gradient between the cold polar air and the warmer air from the tropics. This stark contrast in temperature creates stronger wind shear and more unstable atmospheric conditions, leading to increased turbulence. The dynamics of the polar and tropical air masses interact in such a way that this region often sees more severe and chaotic air movements.

The tropical and equatorial sides typically experience more stable atmospheric conditions, as they are characterized by warmer and more uniform temperatures. On the warm side, although there can still be some turbulence due to convective activity, it generally does not compare to the turbulence found on the polar side where the atmospheric instability is heightened.