23rd May 2024 (15 Topics)
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Clear-Air Turbulence
Context
A recent incident involving severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore has highlighted the dangers posed by clear-air turbulence (CAT) in air travel. As per a recent research, CAT is expected to intensify due to climate change.
Understanding Clear-Air Turbulence:
- Turbulence on flights is caused by storms, mountains and strong wind currents called jet streams.
- Clear-air turbulence occurs unexpectedly and violently buffets planes even in cloudless skies. Unlike turbulence caused by storms or mountains, CAT is not easily detectable, making it particularly hazardous for aircraft.
- Regions over western ocean basins, particularly in winter, are most susceptible to CAT due to large zonal temperature contrasts between the ocean and land. These temperature gradients create vertical wind shear, further exacerbating turbulence.
Role of Climate Change:
- Over the past four decades, CAT incidents have become more frequent, mirroring the trend of climate change.
- Rising carbon dioxide emissions lead to warmer air, which increases wind shear within jet streams, thereby strengthening CAT globally.
Fact Box: What's a Jet Stream?
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PYQQ. Consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
Solution: (c) |
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