Flying is to become a far less comfortable experience according to a study of how levels of turbulence are set to change over the next 40 years. Trans Atlantic flights will encounter up to twice as much turbulence while enroute, the research has shown.
Using atmospheric computer models, the scientists behind the work were able to simulate how changes in the climate will impact on the invisible patches of mixing air that cause turbulence.
Dr Paul Williams, a Royal Society research fellow at the University of Reading, said the results suggest air passengers will have less comfortable journeys in the future.
It could also have far more serious implications than a few more spilt drinks and more time staring at the illuminated seat belt sign.
"Turbulence injures hundreds of passengers and crew every year," said Dr Williams. "The total cost to society is about £100 million globally each year.
Trans Atlantic flights will encounter up to twice as much turbulence while enroute, the research has shown.
Using atmospheric computer models, the scientists behind the work were able to simulate how changes in the climate will impact on the invisible patches of mixing air that cause turbulence.
Dr Paul Williams, a Royal Society research fellow at the University of Reading, said the results suggest air passengers will have less comfortable journeys in the future.
It could also have far more serious implications than a few more spilt drinks and more time staring at the illuminated seat belt sign.
"Turbulence injures hundreds of passengers and crew every year," said Dr Williams. "The total cost to society is about £100 million globally each year.
"Planes are designed to withstand this kind of turbulence, but if they suffer any damage it will disrupt flights.
"The main impact will be that flights will become less comfortable and the seat belt sign will need to be on twice as much as it currently is."
Dr Williams and Dr Manoj Joshi from the University of East Anglia, analysed supercomputer simulations of the atmospheric jet stream over the North Atlantic Ocean.
The study, which is published in the journal Nature Climate Change, showed that by the middle of this century, the amount of airspace containing significant clear air turblence is most likely to double.
The average strength of the turbulence will also increase by between 10 per cent and 40 per cent.
The aviation industry is often blamed for contributing to climate change, but the new study has shown that it will also be affected by any changes that take place in the atmosphere.
Dr Williams said: "Thirty thousand feet above our heads, the jet stream is being accelerated, which is having a destabilising effect that is making air turbulence more likely to form.
"There are 600 transatlantic crossings every day, so a lot of fights will be affected by this." More
