Our skies are getting bumpier, making the need to understand and predict turbulence increasingly urgent. Researchers propose that birds could provide clues to better forecasting and aircraft design.
Turbulence is one of the most unpredictable weather phenomena, and research shows severe turbulence is becoming more likely as the planet warms. On Tuesday, a Singapore Airlines flight from London encountered severe turbulence, injuring 31 people and causing one death. Passengers reported the plane tilting and shaking before dropping suddenly, throwing people and objects around the cabin.
Modern aircraft use sophisticated weather radar systems to predict around 75% of turbulence up to 18 hours ahead, according to Paul Williams, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Reading. However, clear air turbulence, which struck the Singapore Airlines flight, is invisible and undetectable by onboard sensors or satellites, making it particularly dangerous.
Climate change is increasing clear air turbulence by widening temperature differences in the jet stream, says Williams. Meteorologists are now seeking better forecasting methods, and some researchers believe birds could help. Birds often encounter choppy skies and have adapted to deal with extreme turbulence. Studying how they respond at lower altitudes could improve turbulence models, says Emily Shepard, an expert at Swansea University.
Additionally, analysing how birds exploit turbulence could inform aircraft design, especially for smaller aircraft and UAVs in urban environments. While most birds don't fly at cruising altitudes, species like frigate birds reach great heights, offering valuable data.
