The Appalachian Mountains provide ridge lift for migrating monarch butterflies — as well as for hawks, dragonflies and other birds and insects. Monarchs can use ridge lift to gain altitude and then glide effortlessly along the mountain ridges. Notice that the ridges angle to the southwest, the direction the monarchs are traveling toward Mexico.
	Ridge Lift When the wind hits the ridge, the air rises. This rising air provides lift all along the ridge.   A Free Lift Glider pilots can use ridge lift to stay aloft for hours, without an engine or fuel.

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