Why bumpy flight

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. Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city.

Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city Caracals have learned to hunt around the urban edges of Cape Town, though the predator faces many threats, such as getting hit by cars. India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country.

Go Further. Animals Climate change is shrinking many Amazonian birds. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. The jet stream, a narrow ribbon of especially strong winds at the upper levels of the atmosphere, often moves over Colorado during this time of the year. That creates stronger and more unpredictable air flows in and through the mountains, further rattling nerves and beverage carts above the choppy Rockies.

As air rises up and over the mountains, it accelerates and sinks on the lee side of the Rockies. To whittle that all down: If you see stationary clouds in the shape of a flying saucer above your head, known as lenticular clouds, strap those seat belts tight.

On the way down, our airspeed increases and our angle of attack as well. During the stormier spring and summer months, wind shear is often prevalent along the Front Range, helping create a bumpy ride in or out of Denver.

Wind shear is the change in wind speed and direction with height that creates spin, and it often makes for a turbulent ride along the Front Range. Here, we explain a few bumps that may cause flying anxiety. Chris Manno, a pilot, professor, author , and current Boeing captain for a major U. When we encounter turbulence, rest assured that we are immediately taking whatever action we can to smooth the ride out—just give us a minute. What happens: The pilots make an announcement asking flight attendants to suspend service and take their seats for turbulence ahead.

What it means: In our recent report on what fliers need to know about turbulence, we explained that your best friend during turbulence is your seat belt, as the Federal Aviation Administration says there are between 30 and 60 cases of turbulence-related injuries each year.

That said, pilots have ways to avoid turbulence with the potential of causing injuries. The radar is synched with our navigation system so that it always knows the topography we're flying over and automatically focuses on weather hazards. Also, pilots constantly share reports of turbulence via air-to-air radio.

Finally, the meteorology department at every major airline gives the pilots a pretty good idea of what to expect along our flight path. What happens: The airline is experiencing a tech "glitch" that's affecting flights.