The Dangers of Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) in Aviation
Generally, fatalities caused by turbulence are incredibly rare on international flights. Pilots are usually able to give warnings in most cases of turbulence to ensure all passengers and crew members are buckled up. However, when it comes to clear air turbulence, it is one of the most dangerous types.
Understanding Clear Air Turbulence (CAT)
Usually, any type of turbulence is caused due to the meeting of air at different temperatures, pressures, or velocities. During CAT, a turbulent movement of air masses takes place in the absence of any visual clues, such as clouds, and is caused when bodies of air moving at widely different speeds meet each other.
The atmospheric region most susceptible to CAT is the high troposphere at altitudes of around 7,000–12,000 metres (23,000–39,000 ft) as it meets the tropopause. Here CAT is most frequently encountered in the regions of jet streams. At lower altitudes, it may also occur near mountain ranges.
Impact of Climate Change on CAT
Scientists at Reading University have found that higher temperatures resulting from the climate crisis are leading to significant increases in turbulence across transatlantic flights. The jet stream, sandwiched between the warm troposphere and the cool stratosphere, is experiencing increasing wind shear due to the temperature differential caused by climate change.
Research indicates that severe turbulence, including the injury-causing kind, has increased by 55 per cent over the past 40 years. Even light and moderate turbulence have seen significant increases, up to 17 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.
It is crucial for airlines and aviation authorities to understand and address the risks posed by clear air turbulence in the context of changing climate patterns to ensure passenger safety and well-being.
