The article discusses how global warming, particularly pronounced at the poles, is altering climatic patterns that deepen the impact of turbulence on aviation. Research led by the University of Reading's Williams illustrates that changes in the jet stream will lead to increased vertical wind shear. Since the 1970s, severe air turbulence has already risen by 55%. Projections show that if current greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, turbulence could increase by 29% by 2100, prompting concerns about flight safety. However, advancements in weather measurement and awareness may mitigate risks in the future.
"Global warming is faster at the poles and it's melting ice and warming differently in oceans and on continents, affecting jet streams and turbulence," Faranda said.
"It's important to look at vertical wind shear because the signal in the data is much stronger compared to the noise," Williams mentioned in his presentation.
"Why do we care about stronger wind shear? Well, of course, it's because we fly through it," said Williams, showing a grounded jet plane that lost an engine.
"Studies show vertical wind shear could increase 29 percent by 2100, or 17 percent if global emissions are halved by mid-century," warns Williams.
Collection
[
|
...
]