The occurrence of clear air turbulence (CAT) has significantly increased in recent decades due to climate change, according to researchers. CAT is a strong air movement that occurs without visible cloud movements, commonly referred to as “air pockets.” While usually just uncomfortable for airplane passengers, severe CAT can cause injuries. Researchers from the University of Reading have published a study in Geophysical Research Letters, showing that this phenomenon is not just a future concern, but has been happening for decades in the layers of the atmosphere used by commercial airplanes. The study found that CAT has increased by 55% on the route between North America and Europe, one of the busiest routes in the world. The aviation industry must invest in better prediction systems to reduce the danger of CAT for airplanes and passengers.
The study’s lead author, Mark Prosser, emphasized that turbulence causes rough flights and can occasionally be dangerous. Airlines must begin to consider how to deal with increased turbulence, as it costs the industry between $150 and $500 million annually in the US alone. Every additional minute spent in turbulence increases the wear and tear on the airplane and the risk of injury to passengers and flight attendants. Paul Williams, a researcher at the University of Reading, suggests investing in better prediction techniques to allow airplanes to avoid strong turbulence. The researchers also recommend investing in turbulence detection systems to prevent rougher flights in the coming decades.
Scientists at the Technical University of Vienna have developed turbulence cancelling technology, which could almost completely prevent turbulence by automatically balancing it out. The technology is being developed by the company Turbulence Solutions. As CAT continues to increase due to climate change, it is essential for the aviation industry to invest in new technologies and prediction systems to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
