Texas A&M Professor Explains Increase in Aircraft Turbulence
TX – If a bit of airplane turbulence makes you nervous, you better buckle up, as things will only worsen. Experts are now warning travelers about increased airplane turbulence, which adds to the existing challenges of long lines, security checkpoints, and ever-changing baggage standards when traveling.
Studies have revealed a rise in the amount of severe turbulence experienced on both domestic and international flights, which already causes physical harm to both passengers and crew members, as well as intense fear and distress.
Dr. Ramalingam Saravanan, head of the Texas A&M Department of Atmospheric Sciences, points to unpredictability as the main culprit of clear-air turbulence. He stated that the difficulty lies in its lack of visibility.
Saravanan suggests that pilots become aware of turbulence when another pilot has flown through it and reported its whereabouts. He further explained that it is impossible to predict its occurrence due to its random nature, and the air appears to be normal and harmless, hence the name.
How does climate change contribute to turbulence? Greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as driving cars and burning oil, have been accumulating at an unprecedented rate in the past year. This has caused wind speeds to become inconsistent, leading to clear-air turbulence.
The doctor believes that greenhouse gases cause the lower part of the atmosphere, known as the troposphere, to become warmer. Meanwhile, the stratosphere, where most planes fly, is cooled. This temperature difference between the pole and the equator creates a stronger wind. But the effect is reversed in the stratosphere, leading to increased wind and turbulence.
Despite the potential for turbulence and higher costs, air travel is here to stay. Airlines may need to consider longer routes due to increased clear-air turbulence, which could lead to higher ticket prices. Saravanan explained that airlines hire aviation meteorologists to forecast the winds and plan the route to reduce headwinds and maximize tailwinds. He added that airlines might opt for a more expensive, longer route that avoids clear-air turbulence since fuel costs money.
The increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could result in more serious consequences than just those related to air travel, including intense precipitation that leads to flooding, prolonged dry spells, powerful storms, and rising sea levels.
Saravanan suggested that we can all take steps to reduce our carbon footprints. He noted that greenhouse gas emissions are caused by our daily activities, including driving cars and using heating or air conditioning. To combat climate change, the professor suggests we all use energy more efficiently and switch to renewable sources.