Turbulence now could be three times more frequent due to climate change, according to a research study made by scientists at the University of Reading. Through climate model simulations done in the atmosphere, the experts found a correlation between wintertime transatlantic clear-air turbulence and anthropogenic climate change.
If the atmosphere contained more CO2, light turbulence would increase by 59 percent while light to moderate disturbances will jump up to 75 percent. At the same time, moderate to severe flight turbulence will rise to 127 percent and in severe cases; turbulence can be troublesome at 149 percent.
"Even the most seasoned frequent fliers may be alarmed at the prospect of a 149 percent increase in severe turbulence, which frequently hospitalizes air travelers and flight attendants around the world," Dr. Paul Williams, who performed the study, said, as reported by The Telegraph.
The sudden rise of temperatures will also give way to escalating sea levels and storm surges that will upset airports by the coast. Climate change will affect and increase the probability of flight delays and distressed. CNBC stated that there's a possibility that the aircraft might lose control temporarily.
The study will greatly help engineers and airlines with the operational clear-air turbulence forecasts. An enhancement of these technologies together with a pilot's skill will assist the plane to divert its route to avoid disturbance. On board machinery that will forecast turbulence might also be helpful to alert crew and passengers of a bumpy ride.
Installation of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) ultra-violet laser systems to predict turbulence might be impossible at the moment, but shortly, there's a chance where LIDAR technology might be less costly to create and will be used highly to combat frequent air turbulence.
The scientists would like to extend their study by investigating other seasonal atmospheric conditions, geographic regions, and aircraft flight levels. The sensitivity of their research must be explored in other areas as well.
