Turbulence Affecting Planes
Why it Matters?
Air turbulence, the leading cause of in-flight weather accidents, is becoming more frequent due to climate change. Studies show turbulence has increased 60–155% in regions like the North Atlantic, North America, East Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa Clear-air turbulence (CAT), caused by fast-moving jet streams, is most dangerous as it is invisible.
What You Should Know?
A recent study by the University of Reading found that continued global warming could make the atmosphere at typical aircraft altitudes more turbulent.
Climate change strengthens wind shear in jet streams, which are fast-moving air currents at high altitudes.
The new study, published in the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, projects that wind shear could increase by 16–27% and the atmosphere could become 10–20% less stable between 2015 and 2100.
Both the northern and southern hemispheres are expected to be affected.
Increased wind shear and reduced stability together create conditions favorable for clear-air turbulence (CAT).
CAT causes sudden jolts that cannot be seen on radar, making them difficult for pilots to avoid.
CAT can injure passengers and cabin crew, and may force pilots to change flight routes, altitudes, or speeds, increasing fuel consumption.
Airlines are adopting mitigation strategies: keeping seatbelt signs on longer, optimizing flight routes, and using technologies like LIDAR to detect turbulence early.