How do turbulence occur

Turbulence is still discussed in the academic world. As there are many factors causing turbulence, it is hard to provide a clear definition. Flying in turbulence happens when the plane is caught up in disrupted airflow during the flight. Planes can shake in turbulence. While some of them can be mild, some can be violent. Pilots can inform passengers in case of turbulence and all passengers are required to fasten their seat belts.

It is of vital significance to fasten your seat belts as violent turbulence can throw passengers out of their seats. According to research conducted in the USA, in , only 58 passengers out of get harmed during turbulence and it is known that most of the passengers harmed were not wearing their seat belts at that moment.

Turbulence does not cause a plane to crash although it creates panic among passengers. Planes are engineered to survive all types of turbulence. Violent turbulences may seem scary. However, pilots are specially trained accordingly.

The only thing you need to do is to fasten your seat belt and remain calm until the turbulence ends. You might have an uncomfortable experience for a short time but the planes shake during turbulence and it is regarded as normal. We are using cookies to personalize and enhance your use of the Pegasus Website. By continuing to use our website without changing your cookie settings, you are agreeing to the use of cookies as set in the Pegasus Privacy Policy.

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This information is used to improve the performance of the Pegasus Website. These cookies remember the choices the user has made on the website e. Smith says likely not, at least in the near term. One area of research is looking at the possibility of instant reaction to sudden gusts by altering the airflow around the surface of the wing itself—though Smith warns that this is an extremely difficult problem to solve while keeping an airplane lightweight, low-cost and energy efficient.

Though design changes like those would mainly address efficiency, turbulence does play a factor in aircraft performance and energy consumption: Flight path and altitude changes to avoid turbulence is estimated to cost U. Climate shifts could exacerbate those costs even more. Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading in the U. Armed and ready though you may be with knowledge of meteorology and engineering, there are a few more solid strategies to plan for and cope with turbulence once on the plane.

Stay buckled up, even when the seatbelt light is off, Poole adds, since even a loosely fastened belt will keep you from hitting your head on the overhead bins.

All rights reserved. What is turbulence? Prediction improvements Though weather forecasts and pilot reports are helpful for avoiding bumpy zones, they are relatively blunt tools, Sharman says. Michelle Z. Donohue is a freelance writer who covers nature, science and technology. Follow her on Twitter MZDonahue. Share Tweet Email. Read This Next Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London.

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We spoke to a number of pilots and aviation experts to get the facts about turbulence-related injuries and what's really happening when your plane is tossing violently. Spoiler alert: It doesn't mean the plane's about to crash. Turbulence is relatively common and usually harmless, but that doesn't stop it from being any less uncomfortable mid-air, and mid-moment.

There are varying degrees and types of turbulence caused by any number of factors: think upward and downward currents from thunderclouds, thermal currents, or clear air turbulence from rapidly changing wind speed or direction. More on that later. The Federal Aviation Administration says approximately 58 fliers are injured by turbulence each year.

Two-thirds of that number are flight attendants or passengers not wearing seat belts when the bumps hit , which means that about 20 passengers—out of the million who fly each year in the United States—are injured due to turbulence.

And that usually happens at or above 30, feet. In many cases, pilots know of turbulent conditions ahead and can turn on the seatbelt sign as the plane approaches it. Pilots are also aided by pre-flight weather reports, cockpit radar, and reports from other planes in the area.