Rocky Skies
Hi, gang.
If you’ve flown on an airplane, chances are you’re familiar with the jumps and bumps of turbulence. It’s no fun. Especially when things get really rocky. But as you close your eyes and grip the seat do you ever take time to think about what’s really making the plane shake?
OK, probably not, but let me tell you, turbulence is actually a pretty interesting weather hazard.
First off, air turbulence can happen even when the sky is sunny and blue. Researchers call this “clear air” turbulence. It’s hard to avoid and even harder to predict. In fact, scientists are still mystified by the phenomenon.
But let me back up a little. Our friends at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) are the ones that actually study turbulence. They say turbulence is an irregular flow in the atmosphere that produces gusts and eddies. Those gusts vary in intensity and are what make the plane shake.
NCAR says 60 percent of air turbulence is caused by thunderstorms. However there are other causes:
High winds blowing past mountains and other obstructions
Heating off the surface that produces plumes of rising air
Interaction of strong winds in the jet stream and weather fronts
Although turbulence is normal, it can become a serious situation. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, nearly 60 people in the U.S are injured each year by turbulence while not wearing their seat belts.
Take a look at exactly what could happen if you’re not belted in when the plane encounters turbulence.
That’s why it’s very important that you listen to the pilot and buckle up. That will keep you and your family as safe as possible during a flight.
Now if only there we something we could do about those airport delays!