Why there are more and more disruptions to flights (and the trend is not expected to change)

A group of researchers said turbulence during air travel has increased as climate change warms the planet.

It was studied by scientists from the University of Reading in the UK weather disturbances in heaven ClearYeswhich is difficult for pilots to avoid, and they found it theYes disturbanceYes IntenseYes moreAaron A 55% Between 1979 and 2020 on a busy road in the North Atlantic.

The academics attributed the increase to Changes in wind speed at high altitudes. that’s why he air He is warmer due to carbon emissions.

“After a decade of research showing that climate change will increase clear-sky disturbance in the future, we now have evidence to suggest that the increase is already underway,” said Professor Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading and co-author. He authored the study.

He added, “We must invest in improving turbulence detection and prediction systems, to prevent harsh air from turning into more choppy flights for decades to come.”

Flight paths in the United States and the North Atlantic experienced the largest increases in turbulence. Europe, the Middle East and the South Atlantic also recorded significant increases.

Williams said the growth in unrest was due to A.J increased wind shear The difference in wind speed or direction between two points in the atmosphere Jeta powerful air system that moves rapidly from west to east, at an altitude of 7 to 12 kilometers above the Earth’s surface.

It exists in large part because of the temperature difference between the planet’s equator and poles.

While satellites cannot pick up turbulence, they can see the structure and shape of the jet stream, allowing for analysis.

Radars can pick up turbulence from storms, however theYes disturbanceYes in sky Clear We are Almost invisibleYes And hardHe is To detect.

Turbulent flights are not only annoying, but can also cause injuries to those on board. Severe turbulence is very rare, but clear sky turbulence can appear out of nowhere, when passengers are not wearing seat belts.

“Nobody should stop flying for fear of turbulence,” Williams said, “but it’s reasonable to keep your seatbelt on at all times, unless you have to move around in the plane. That’s how pilots travel.” “This is almost a guarantee that you will be safe.And Even in the worst of turmoilhe added.

These powerful air masses also have economic consequences. The researchers said the aviation industry loses between $150 million and $500 million annually in the United States alone due to the effects of disruptions, including wear and tear on aircraft. It also comes at an environmental cost, as pilots burn fuel to avoid more aftershocks.

The study was published June 8 in the Scientific Journal Geophysical Research Letters.

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