New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024

New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Santiago to Santa Cruz Flight Tops Turbulence Chart

A new study has identified the flight path between Santiago, Chile, and Santa Cruz, Bolivia as the world's most turbulent air route. This route, spanning nearly 1,905 kilometers, consistently experiences turbulence levels averaging 17.568 on the eddy dissipation rate (EDR) scale, a measure of turbulence intensity. The turbulence is primarily attributed to the route's proximity to mountainous terrain, creating atmospheric conditions that readily produce turbulence. While categorized as generally light to moderate in intensity, the turbulence along this route can lead to a frequent and bumpy flight experience.

Besides Santiago to Santa Cruz, other flight paths, including those from Almaty to Bishkek and numerous routes within China and Europe, were also found to be significantly impacted by atmospheric instability and turbulence. This new information about turbulence levels could be useful for passengers who prioritize a smooth flight during their travel plans. It highlights the factors that contribute to bumpy rides and may lead to a greater understanding of how climate change might be further impacting turbulence on flight paths worldwide.

The Santiago to Santa Cruz flight path, spanning roughly 1,905 kilometers, consistently ranks among the most turbulent globally, with an average eddy dissipation rate (EDR) of 17.568. This elevated turbulence intensity, as measured by the EDR scale, is largely attributed to the challenging geography of the region. The Andes Mountains, a formidable barrier, creates a complex aerodynamic environment where mountain wave turbulence is frequent. The airflow over these mountain ranges triggers powerful updrafts and downdrafts, leading to a heightened risk of unexpected and intense turbulence.


It's noteworthy that the EDR scale classifies turbulence on a spectrum from 0-100, with 0-20 representing light, 20-40 moderate, 40-80 severe, and 80-100 being extreme turbulence. Although the Santiago to Santa Cruz route averages in the light-to-moderate range, the consistent presence of turbulence underscores the necessity of robust safety protocols.


A recent study that meticulously analyzed 150,000 flight routes identified this specific route as the most consistently turbulent, revealing the impact of the Andes. It's likely that the altitude at which aircraft typically fly on this route contributes to the higher turbulence levels. In general, flying at greater altitudes above 30,000 feet often results in smoother journeys. However, this route frequently navigates lower altitudes, where atmospheric instability and turbulence are more pronounced.


While pilots utilize tools such as weather radar and historical flight data to navigate and mitigate turbulence, the complex terrain of the Andes presents a challenge to real-time predictive capabilities. It is worth considering how the current forecasting models can be improved in the future. Furthermore, climate change may contribute to the escalating prevalence of turbulent conditions in different regions, further highlighting the significance of research into improved aircraft design and forecasting technologies.


Besides Santiago to Santa Cruz, other routes such as Almaty to Bishkek, Lanzhou to Chengdu, and various routes involving Geneva, Zurich, and Xianyang, also experience high turbulence frequencies due to challenging weather patterns. Turbulence is a complex phenomenon, and not always linked to visible bad weather conditions. In fact, "clear air turbulence" can be encountered on ostensibly calm days, catching even seasoned pilots off guard. The scientific understanding of atmospheric instability and its correlation with turbulence needs to be constantly improved.


The financial consequences of turbulence are substantial. Airlines consistently face heightened fuel consumption and operational delays due to turbulence related disruptions, impacting their bottom line. Thus, understanding and mitigating turbulence is not just about passenger safety and comfort, but also a key aspect of airline cost management.

What else is in this post?

1. New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Santiago to Santa Cruz Flight Tops Turbulence Chart
2. New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Nashville to Raleigh-Durham Most Bumpy US Route
3. New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Mountain Ranges Contribute to Shaky Air Travel
4. New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - North Atlantic Severe Turbulence on the Rise
5. New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Climate Change Impact on Aviation Turbulence
6. New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Northern England Flights Face Rough Skies
7. New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - EDR Scale Explains Turbulence Intensity Levels

New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Nashville to Raleigh-Durham Most Bumpy US Route

A recent study has found that the flight path between Nashville and Raleigh-Durham is the bumpiest in North America. This route, spanning roughly 442 miles, consistently faces turbulence, averaging a significant 14.728 on the eddy dissipation rate (EDR) scale, a measurement of turbulence intensity. It's a bit of a rough ride for passengers, apparently.

The cause of the turbulence is likely related to the geographic area that this flight path traverses, with the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain regions being especially susceptible to atmospheric disturbances. Delta, American, and Southwest are the major players offering flights here.

The turbulence rating on this route came from an analysis of 150,000 different flight routes. And it's not the only one in the region. It seems North Carolina is a hotbed of turbulent flight paths, with the Raleigh-Durham area having three that made it into the top ten.

When choosing a flight route, especially if you are sensitive to turbulence, it's worth considering the risk level of a flight path. It might be worth it to book a slightly longer flight, for instance, if it avoids this and similar routes.

Here's a revised version of the text focusing on the Nashville to Raleigh-Durham flight route's turbulence:


The Nashville to Raleigh-Durham route has earned the dubious distinction of being the bumpiest flight path in North America for 2023, according to a recent turbulence study by Turbli. This 442-mile (711 km) route exhibits an average turbulence intensity of 14.728, measured using the Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) metric. This relatively high number puts it at the top of a list of 150,000 routes analyzed, showcasing a noticeable level of air instability. Airlines like Delta, American, and Southwest commonly operate on this route, potentially experiencing these fluctuations frequently.

One contributing factor seems to be the route's position within the Appalachian and Rocky Mountain regions, areas inherently prone to turbulence. These geographical features disrupt airflow, creating potentially unpredictable disturbances. The terrain can trigger mountain waves, where air rises and falls over the hills, causing aircraft to experience a bumpy ride.

While not reaching the turbulence levels found on the world's bumpiest route (Santiago to Santa Cruz, Bolivia), the Nashville-Raleigh segment does offer an interesting study in turbulence generation. Several contributing factors to the bumpiness are likely at play. The high density of air traffic in the southeastern US, where this route is located, might play a role, leading to wake turbulence between aircraft sharing the airspace. Also, the region's proximity to the jet stream, a fast-moving river of air, can influence turbulence as wind speeds change rapidly. Changes in weather patterns, especially during transitional seasons, can also be a significant contributor. It's noteworthy that North Carolina has a disproportionately high number of turbulent routes, with three of the top ten being into Raleigh-Durham, underscoring the unique challenges of the region's atmosphere.


The study's findings are particularly intriguing considering that turbulence levels are known to vary seasonally. Winter typically sees an increase in clear-air turbulence caused by temperature differences, while the warmer months are more prone to convective turbulence linked to thunderstorms. Analyzing these patterns in detail could shed light on how climate patterns and potentially even climate change might affect turbulence over time.


Airlines operating in this region face a significant challenge: turbulence impacts their operations, leading to higher fuel consumption, and occasionally, flight delays. While airlines utilize turbulence forecasts to optimize flight paths, the inherent complexity of the region makes prediction challenging. Passengers might find that understanding these nuances, and the variability in turbulence, could lead to a more enjoyable journey. In the future, the field might benefit from more precise turbulence prediction capabilities that can enhance flight planning and reduce the bumps along the way.

New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Mountain Ranges Contribute to Shaky Air Travel

Mountain ranges play a significant role in generating turbulence during air travel, creating a bumpy ride for passengers and demanding careful navigation by pilots. The presence of towering mountain ranges like the Andes, Rockies, and Alps can disrupt the smooth flow of air, leading to unpredictable pockets of turbulence. These disturbances are often seen in the form of mountain waves, where air is forced upwards and downwards over the mountain peaks. This creates strong updrafts and downdrafts, which can make for a turbulent journey for aircraft that pass through or near these regions.

The flight path between Santiago and Santa Cruz, for instance, serves as a prime example of this phenomenon. The route's proximity to the Andes results in frequent encounters with mountain wave turbulence, making it the most turbulent flight route identified in a recent study. However, it's not just South America that faces this issue. Many flight paths in North America and Europe, particularly those that traverse mountainous regions, also experience increased turbulence due to similar atmospheric conditions.

Navigating these challenging terrains safely and efficiently requires significant expertise from pilots and continual refinement of turbulence forecasting technologies. With climate change potentially increasing atmospheric instability and turbulence globally, understanding the relationship between mountain ranges and air travel turbulence is becoming increasingly important for both passengers and airlines seeking smoother and more predictable flights. While turbulence is an unavoidable part of air travel, awareness of geographical factors that heighten its occurrence can improve safety and inform future mitigation strategies.

Mountain ranges exert a significant influence on the stability of the air above them, which has direct implications for air travel. The complex topography of these regions creates a variety of atmospheric phenomena that can generate turbulence, leading to bumpy rides for passengers.

One key factor is **mountain wave turbulence**. When strong winds encounter a mountain range, they are forced to rise and fall over the peaks, creating waves in the airflow. These waves can propagate upward, extending for hundreds of miles and affecting aircraft flying above or even far downwind of the mountain range. This phenomenon can produce sudden, powerful updrafts and downdrafts, causing significant aircraft altitude variations that can be challenging for pilots to manage.

Furthermore, the presence of mountain ranges can influence the path and strength of **jet streams**, high-altitude rivers of fast-moving air. The mountainous terrain can deflect these streams, leading to changes in wind speed and direction. These shifts in the jet streams can induce turbulence, impacting flights even those flying thousands of feet below.

While airlines often aim for smooth flight paths by cruising above 30,000 feet, mountainous routes frequently require flights to stay at lower altitudes to navigate the terrain. This can increase turbulence encounters as the atmosphere is less stable at lower altitudes and subject to more significant temperature and wind changes.

Mountainous areas can create **multidirectional winds**, also known as wind shear. These rapidly changing wind patterns near the terrain can lead to sudden variations in an aircraft's speed and altitude, heightening the risk of turbulence. Pilots need to be especially vigilant in these conditions.

Turbulence, in turn, impacts airlines financially. The need for pilots to continually adjust aircraft power and altitude in turbulent conditions can increase fuel consumption and lead to operational delays. This has a direct impact on the overall profitability of air routes that commonly experience turbulence.

To deal with turbulence effectively, pilots require specialized training to understand the atmospheric dynamics associated with mountainous regions. This includes mastering the specific techniques necessary to safely manage an aircraft through turbulent air. This expertise is essential for ensuring both passenger comfort and safety.

Turbulence associated with mountain ranges isn't a static phenomenon. It changes based on the season. During colder months, the temperature differences between the ground and higher altitudes can increase the likelihood of **clear-air turbulence**. In contrast, the warmer months are more prone to **convective turbulence**, triggered by thunderstorms, with mountains potentially intensifying these effects.


Although technology has improved the ability to predict turbulence, the complexities of mountainous terrain and its impact on the atmosphere still pose a challenge for accurate forecasting. Improved weather radar and algorithms that more effectively capture the specific conditions near mountain ranges are needed. This can lead to better real-time turbulence forecasting and give pilots more accurate information during flights.

Pilots flying mountainous routes are often making decisions in real-time about adjusting altitudes or changing flight paths based on available data about the turbulent air. The unpredictable nature of mountain-induced turbulence adds a degree of difficulty to their decisions.


It's clear that for pilots frequently navigating mountainous airspace, turbulence is a commonplace challenge. Their continual experience and adaptations to these conditions showcase the constant need for reassessing and refining flight operations in such environments. There is an ongoing need to balance the desire for efficient air travel with the need to prioritize safety in these turbulent environments.

New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - North Atlantic Severe Turbulence on the Rise

A recent study has revealed a concerning escalation of severe turbulence, particularly across the North Atlantic. Data indicates a dramatic 55% increase in severe turbulence between 1979 and 2020, with the annual duration of severe turbulence soaring from 177 to 274 hours. This surge is widely believed to be a consequence of climate change, leading to more pronounced jet stream activity and more frequent bouts of unexpected clear-air turbulence on heavily traveled transatlantic routes. Not only do these conditions pose challenges for pilots who must manage aircraft through turbulent air, but they also affect airline profitability. Increased fuel consumption and potential delays from turbulent conditions translate directly into higher operational costs. Given the ongoing shift in weather patterns, the need for more robust turbulence forecasting and a greater understanding of changing atmospheric dynamics is clear. Without adjustments to flying methods and advancements in the technologies available to airlines and pilots, future air travelers might encounter more turbulent flights.

A recent study has revealed a concerning trend: a substantial rise in severe turbulence over the North Atlantic. The data, spanning several decades, shows a marked increase in the duration of severe turbulence events, jumping from 177 hours annually in the late 70s to over 274 hours by 2020. This increase isn't isolated to severe turbulence; moderate and even light turbulence have followed a similar trend.

The culprit? Many researchers point towards climate change as the driving force behind these alterations in atmospheric behavior. The jet streams, those high-altitude rivers of air, seem to be behaving differently, potentially becoming more erratic and generating stronger wind shear, which in turn leads to increased turbulence. While the North Atlantic is experiencing the most dramatic changes, similar turbulence increases are showing up over other heavily traveled regions like the US, Europe, the Middle East, and South Atlantic.

The North Atlantic, with its high volume of air traffic, also highlights the rise in "clear-air turbulence" (CAT). This type of turbulence is especially insidious because it develops in seemingly calm skies, often with little visual warning, catching even experienced pilots off-guard. This phenomenon can pose a significant threat to safety and comfort, as it is linked to a higher proportion of injuries related to turbulence than other forms.

From an operational perspective, the higher turbulence means more fuel burn and more potential for flight delays, which ripples through the aviation ecosystem and inevitably has implications for airfares and operational efficiency. Airlines have a vested interest in gaining a better grasp of the mechanisms behind these changes to improve their own fuel efficiency and flight schedules. It is remarkable that this change in turbulence intensity also seems to correlate with changes in atmospheric patterns and is a growing concern as the planet's climate continues to evolve.

To manage turbulence effectively, airlines and pilots rely on weather forecasts and real-time data from onboard weather radar. However, predicting the development of turbulence, especially CAT, remains a challenge. The complexity of the forces at play demands constant refinement of forecasting technology. Researchers are exploring innovative approaches using more sophisticated algorithms and satellite data to enhance real-time turbulence detection and prediction. Perhaps better predictions can assist pilots in planning flight paths and altitudes that minimize turbulence encounters.

Improved forecasting techniques could be a game-changer for passenger comfort and airline efficiency. Until then, understanding the increased risk of encountering turbulence, especially over busy routes like those over the North Atlantic, may lead passengers to consider factors like weather and time of year when choosing flights. The increasing trend in turbulence severity is a reminder of the complex interaction between weather, climate, and the challenges of safe air travel. It's a field that's ripe for further exploration and development as we aim for smoother, safer flights.

New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Climate Change Impact on Aviation Turbulence

Climate change is increasingly impacting the smoothness of air travel, particularly through a noticeable rise in turbulence. Studies show a significant increase in severe turbulence, especially across the North Atlantic, with a 55% jump in recent decades. This upswing is mainly linked to alterations in the jet stream, a high-altitude air current, which is becoming more erratic due to rising global temperatures. A concerning consequence is the greater prevalence of clear air turbulence (CAT). This unpredictable type of turbulence emerges in clear skies, often without visual cues, presenting difficulties for pilots and posing a potential safety risk. The increased frequency and intensity of turbulence are also creating challenges for airlines, translating into higher fuel consumption and operational delays. This ultimately could impact airfares and overall operational efficiency of the airline industry. As the climate continues to change, travelers and the aviation industry alike will need to consider the rising occurrence of turbulence when making travel plans and operating flights. Adapting to the new reality of a more turbulent atmosphere is becoming increasingly necessary for both the passenger experience and the financial health of airlines.

Recent research indicates that climate change is significantly influencing the frequency and intensity of turbulence encountered during air travel. A notable increase in clear air turbulence (CAT), especially in regions like the North Atlantic, has been observed. Between 1979 and 2020, severe turbulence events in this area jumped by an alarming 55%, highlighting a concerning trend. The lack of visual cues associated with CAT makes it particularly challenging for pilots, and poses potential risks for passenger comfort and safety.

This increase in turbulence seems tied to shifts in jet stream patterns, influenced by rising global temperatures. These atmospheric rivers are becoming more erratic and meandering, resulting in stronger wind shear and more turbulence across key flight routes, impacting both the North Atlantic and areas in Asia. This turbulent air causes a ripple effect, influencing aircraft fuel efficiency. It's estimated that turbulent flight conditions can raise fuel consumption by 10-15% due to the frequent adjustments pilots have to make to maintain flight path and altitude.

Seasonal variations also play a role in turbulence patterns. Clear air turbulence is more common during the colder months due to pronounced temperature differences. However, warmer months can experience turbulence related to convective currents, driven by thunderstorms. The interaction of these weather phenomena with geographical features, such as mountain ranges, further complicates the picture. Mountains create turbulent conditions that can stretch for hundreds of miles downwind, affecting flight paths even those well away from the mountains themselves.

To handle these challenges, pilots receive specialized training focusing on how to navigate these unpredictable conditions. They learn to adjust to rapid changes in altitude and airspeed. However, forecasting and predicting this turbulence accurately is still a challenge. Currently, forecasting models are not always effective in anticipating sudden turbulence events. There's a critical need for improved prediction tools and the integration of real-time data to enhance safety and optimize flight paths. The evolving understanding of turbulence's effects is prompting airlines to rethink flight planning. Some have started to incorporate real-time turbulence data into their operational decisions, leading to algorithm-driven flight path adjustments.

The economic repercussions of turbulence are considerable. The higher fuel consumption and potential delays contribute to increased operational costs for airlines. It's plausible that these added costs could be passed on to travelers, possibly leading to higher ticket prices, particularly on the most turbulence-prone routes. Furthermore, turbulence can impact passengers psychologically. While most are well-aware of turbulence's role in occasional discomfort, frequent turbulence could contribute to heightened anxiety among some travelers. Airlines are becoming more aware of this psychological aspect and are developing customer service and communication strategies to address it.

The increasing understanding of the climate's role in altering turbulence patterns emphasizes the need for continuous refinement in forecasting technologies. Researchers are actively exploring improved algorithms and real-time data integration to refine turbulence prediction and ultimately ensure safer and smoother journeys for air travelers. It's an ongoing research field with significant implications for the aviation industry and travelers' experiences.

New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - Northern England Flights Face Rough Skies

Flights departing from Northern England are facing an increasing likelihood of turbulence, a trend linked to climate change. Recent studies reveal a significant uptick in severe turbulence, particularly in the North Atlantic, with some estimates suggesting a 55% rise in recent decades. This trend is primarily caused by shifting weather patterns and a more erratic jet stream, leading to an uptick in unpredictable clear air turbulence. This type of turbulence, which can be invisible to the naked eye, poses a considerable challenge for pilots, making flights more unpredictable and potentially bumpy for passengers.

Beyond passenger discomfort, turbulence also poses economic consequences for airlines. Increased fuel consumption due to the need for constant altitude adjustments and potential flight delays can significantly impact airline profitability, leading to higher operating costs and potentially influencing ticket prices. Airlines are facing an increased need for enhanced weather forecasting technologies to help mitigate turbulence.

In essence, passengers traveling from or through Northern England might find their flight experience to be more turbulent in the years ahead. While airlines do everything they can to avoid and navigate through turbulence, climate change is reshaping the skies, potentially leading to a less predictable and more bumpy future for air travel.

Northern England's airspace is increasingly proving to be a challenging environment for aircraft due to the rising frequency of turbulence. A significant portion of this turbulence is what's known as clear air turbulence (CAT), a type of atmospheric instability that occurs unexpectedly in seemingly clear skies. This unpredictable nature makes it a concern for both passengers and airlines.

The flight paths over Northern England tend to be at lower altitudes, a factor that contributes to greater turbulence. The lower altitude places aircraft in more volatile air, where temperature and wind changes are more pronounced, creating an environment prone to more instability and turbulence.

Adding to the complexities is the North Atlantic jet stream. This high-altitude wind system, a major player in Northern England's weather patterns, is becoming more irregular due to climate shifts and warmer global temperatures. This variability can lead to greater wind shear, exacerbating turbulence conditions across popular flight routes in and out of the region.

Interestingly, the terrain of Northern England, with its hills and moorlands, also influences turbulence in this area. As air flows over these geographical features, it can generate mechanical turbulence. In essence, the winds interact with the terrain, triggering air movements that disrupt the otherwise smooth flight experience.

There's a pronounced seasonality to this turbulence as well. It seems autumn and winter, when temperature differences between air masses are at their greatest, exhibit higher turbulence. This period frequently sees clear air turbulence, but also the more readily visible convective turbulence connected to stormy weather.

However, it's not like airlines are simply accepting the turbulent conditions as a fact of life. Safety remains the primary concern, and airlines operating flights over this region have adapted comprehensive protocols to address the situation. Pilots receive specialized training for navigating these turbulent conditions, allowing them to adjust the plane's movements in response to changes in the atmosphere. There is also a growing focus on communications with passengers, providing them with information on potential turbulence. The aim is to ensure a smoother and less stressful experience.

However, frequent turbulence not only leads to potentially stressful situations, it also creates ripple effects. The most obvious one is the increase in fuel consumption. Turbulence requires pilots to continuously adjust the aircraft, burning considerably more fuel than in smooth flight conditions. The impact can reach up to 15% more fuel burn, translating into higher operating costs for airlines. These higher costs are likely to find their way into passenger ticket prices.

The forecasting of turbulence remains a challenging task. The complexity of the factors involved hinders efforts to accurately predict turbulence occurrences. Nonetheless, research in this field continues to evolve. Algorithms and real-time data collected during flights are being integrated to create more effective predictive tools. The hope is that these tools will provide better insights to allow pilots to take advantage of smoother sections of the air.

It's noteworthy that this turbulence isn't just an abstract concern. It's affecting specific routes operating from major airports in Northern England, such as Manchester and Newcastle. Travelers seeking seamless travel might want to pay attention to the potential for turbulence, especially on certain routes, especially if they are sensitive to flight conditions or travelling with tight schedules.

In conclusion, the skies over Northern England have become increasingly turbulent, and it appears this trend will continue. It's a fascinating field that presents both challenges and opportunities for improving safety and the overall experience of air travel. Continued research in turbulence forecasting and aircraft design, coupled with enhanced safety procedures, are essential for ensuring safer and smoother journeys through Northern England's air.

New Study Reveals 7 Most Turbulence-Prone Flight Routes in 2024 - EDR Scale Explains Turbulence Intensity Levels

The Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) scale provides a standardized way to measure and categorize turbulence intensity, ranging from very low levels (0.1) to extremely high (over 60). Essentially, it simplifies the often complex measurements of turbulence into a more manageable scale for pilots and weather experts. This scale helps define the intensity of turbulence into categories like Null (very minimal turbulence), Light, Moderate, and Severe, providing a common language for describing the conditions encountered during a flight. These categories are based on numerical values, with adjustments applied to make them easier to understand and communicate.

While turbulence forecasting has improved, there are ongoing limitations in predicting the exact severity and location of turbulent conditions. This is particularly true when considering the impact of mountainous terrains that often contribute to increased turbulence, as shown by recent studies. And, these issues are likely becoming more important, with climate change potentially influencing atmospheric instability and leading to a rise in turbulence in various regions across the globe.

The EDR scale and its classifications are important in the context of flight safety and airline operations. As the understanding of turbulence improves, the EDR scale continues to offer valuable insight into this aspect of flight. In essence, it represents a useful tool for both safety-minded travelers and for those running the complex operations of airlines. It is important for anyone interested in air travel to understand how it works and the role it plays in improving our understanding of turbulence, especially with an increasing awareness of climate change and its impact on atmospheric dynamics.

The Eddy Dissipation Rate (EDR) scale offers a numerical framework for understanding turbulence in the air, essentially providing a metric for pilots and weather scientists to better grasp the chaotic nature of airflows. It's a scale that ranges from very low values, indicative of calm air (around 0.1), to very high values, representing extreme turbulence (above 80). This scale helps put a finer point on turbulence intensity, with categories like light turbulence (0-20) and severe turbulence (40-60) being established to simplify the communication of what's happening to the air. It's a useful tool for air traffic management and understanding turbulence's impact on operations.


The thing about turbulence is that sometimes it occurs in clear skies and without any visual cue whatsoever. This 'clear air turbulence' (CAT) is particularly problematic as it can arise abruptly, catching even seasoned pilots off guard. In many studies, it's this invisible turbulence that leads to a greater proportion of injuries related to bumps and shakes. Routes over mountainous areas like the Andes are especially susceptible to CAT, adding another layer of difficulty for pilots and highlighting the importance of turbulence awareness.


One can’t separate the effect of terrain from the creation of turbulence. When an aircraft encounters hilly or mountainous terrain, mechanical turbulence results as the airflow is interrupted and altered. This can be a significant driver of increases in the EDR, making flight paths near mountainous areas more prone to a bumpy ride. The Andes are again a striking example of how complex terrain can drastically affect air flow and make a route more challenging.


Turbulence isn't just an inconvenience for passengers. It directly impacts the finances of airlines. In turbulent air, pilots frequently have to adjust their aircraft's power and flight path. This continuous effort leads to a significant increase in fuel usage, anywhere from 10 to 15 percent, leading to a noticeable increase in the operating costs of an airline. These higher operational costs are frequently absorbed by the airline, but can occasionally translate to higher ticket prices for the passengers.


While optimal air travel often involves flying at higher altitudes, above 30,000 feet, it's a fact that some regions force pilots to stay lower. This occurs on certain routes where navigating mountainous or complex terrain is necessary. Unfortunately, flying at lower altitudes places the plane in a more unstable section of the atmosphere, with more pronounced changes in temperature and wind. This makes lower altitudes more turbulent, and these routes are exposed to more frequent and intense turbulence.


The jet stream, particularly over the North Atlantic, has become increasingly irregular, possibly a result of recent changes in global climate patterns. This irregularity often results in stronger wind shear, which tends to generate more turbulence. In these conditions, encounters with clear air turbulence become more likely, complicating the work of a pilot trying to maintain a comfortable ride for the passengers.


Turbulence patterns exhibit a clear seasonality. In winter, cold air masses meeting warmer ones result in a larger difference in temperature between air layers and contribute to a higher frequency of clear air turbulence. In the summer, thunderstorm activity leads to another type of turbulence, known as convective turbulence. Mountains can further increase this phenomenon, further altering the way the air moves near them.


It's worth considering that aviation has made significant steps towards more real-time turbulence avoidance. Pilots now have weather radar and other technologies at their disposal that allow them to make decisions in real time. This technology allows for a finer granularity of adjustments to flight paths and altitude during a flight, hopefully mitigating some of the unpleasant turbulence related effects.


Pilots now regularly undergo specialized training programs that focus on how to handle turbulence during a flight. They learn techniques and exercises that prepare them for navigating sudden bumps and changes in airspeed and altitude. This continuous training and evolution in training methods is central to maintaining the safety of passengers during challenging turbulence.


With the improved understanding of atmospheric phenomena, it's become evident that air travelers can benefit from a greater understanding of the turbulence environment they might be encountering. Particularly when flying along known turbulence-prone flight paths, being aware of the potential for bumpiness and understanding that this type of event is not uncommon can be helpful to manage passenger expectations.