World: Forecast calls for more turbulence thanks to climate change

Airplane passengers around the world could be in for a bumpier ride because of climate change, new research suggests. By mid-century, the likelihood of severe air turbulence along popular international flight routes will probably multiply, British scientists say. "Air turbulence is increasing across the globe, in all seasons, and at multiple cruising altitudes," said study lead author Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading. "This problem is only going to worsen as the climate continues to change.” Severe turbulence at the routine cruising altitude of 39,000 feet will become two to three times more common over the North Atlantic and Europe, the study predicted. North American flights could see more than a doubling of rough air pockets, while the skies over the North Pacific and Asia will become 90 and 60% bumpier, respectively, according to the study. The researchers said air turbulence is also expected to intensify in the Southern Hemisphere. The findings were published recently in Geophysical Research Letters. "Our study highlights the need to develop improved turbulence forecasts, which could reduce the risk of injuries to passengers and lower the cost of turbulence to airlines," Williams said.<br/>