J.A.M. wrote:
I don't think it's just that important.
If you're fliying into a thermal, a wing rises, the IAS increases, etc...
just pull back to the original speed, turn into the rising wing, an FLY.
Complex aerodinamic explanations are good for winter, but look out of the
window... and go flying.

Don't get me wrong. I don't think it's vital that this be explained.
However, insight into the dynamics of flying, and soaring in particular
might be gained by a well designed research program. A few experiments
run by some undergrad Aero E students would give them an interesting
project and answer a common question for the rest of us.
That, and the forecast for the weekend is crappy. :-)

Shawn