Scientists from the University of Reading (England) have shown that global warming increases turbulence, which is an additional hazard for aircraft. This is reported in an article published in the journal Climate Dynamics.

Clear air turbulence (CAT) typically develops in the upper, cloudless atmosphere and is not detected by airborne radar or visual surveillance. The long-term effect of such turbulence shortens the service life of the aircraft and severe impact can result in severe damage to the structure resulting in machine breakdown in individual cases.

Often, transatlantic flights are subject to this type of turbulence due to the eddy jet stream in the upper latitudes over the North Atlantic. The intensity of the flow depends on the horizontal transverse temperature gradients. Jet streams are expected to intensify due to an increase in the pole-to-equatorial temperature gradient in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere due to anthropogenic climate change.

Climate modeling has shown that for each degree Celsius of warming near the surface, the number of moderate outdoor turbulence events will increase by 14 percent in summer and 9 percent in winter and spring. Moderate turbulence is defined as atmospheric conditions that cause vertical acceleration of up to 0.5 g. One option for airlines is to avoid areas where CAT occurs. This can result in increased transatlantic flight time and additional fuel costs. Also, experts advise passengers to fasten their seat belts to avoid serious injury and injury. Source