TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For many airplane passengers, turbulence often represents the most tense moment during a flight. While the sudden shaking can feel worrisome, it is a common occurrence and rarely hazardous. Nevertheless, severe turbulence can certainly make the flying experience feel like a nightmare.
According to Bill Duncan, Associate Director of Meteorology at The Weather Company, turbulence is fundamentally defined as the unstable movement of air within the atmosphere. This instability is typically caused by shifts in wind direction, the convergence of air currents around geographical features like mountains, or intense storm activity.
Types of Turbulence
Duncan explains that there are several common types of air turbulence as follows:
1. Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): This occurs unexpectedly in cloudless regions and is often linked to high-altitude jet streams.
2. The second is Convectively Induced Turbulence (CIT): This is directly generated by thunderstorms or strong vertical air movements (updrafts and downdrafts).
3. Mountain Wave Turbulence: This occurs as air flows over large mountain ranges.
Although turbulence can occur globally, it is generally more prevalent during winter months or over rugged, mountainous terrains, such as the Rocky Mountains.
Safety and Pilot Action
Despite the discomfort, Duncan emphasizes that turbulence is not a reason to panic. Modern airplanes are designed to withstand various extreme conditions, including severe air turbulence. Pilots also receive regular, updated weather reports and can adjust their altitude or routes to avoid risky areas.
To ensure safety, passengers are strongly advised to always fasten their seat belts while seated, even after the seat belt sign has been turned off.
"Turbulence can indeed be unpredictable, with sudden shifts of varying intensity," Duncan noted, as reported by Travel and Leisure. Additionally, following cabin crew instructions and paying attention to important announcements are essential safety measures.
Pilots receive early reports about potential turbulence along their flight route through information from the Flight Planning Chart and Significant Meteorological Information (SIGMET), which contains vital data about severe weather.
The Impact of Climate Change
However, data suggest that the frequency and severity of turbulence are increasing. According to Duncan, the rise in extreme weather since the year 2000 and the overall global warming trend have directly impacted the behavior of jet streams.
A 2023 study by researchers at the University of Reading supports this trend, finding that clear-air turbulence, in particular, has become more frequent, occurring 55% more often in 2020 than it did in 1979. The study concluded that these findings are consistent with the expected impacts of climate change. The largest observed increases occurred over the United States and the North Atlantic.
Duncan added that while turbulence reports have increased, weather prediction models are also improving, often enhanced by the integration of AI. Operators and pilots continue to collaborate with aviation experts to choose routes with the least potential for turbulence.