Distant storms cause turbulence
The researchers suggest aircraft turbulence guidelines should be rewritten to take into account the long-reaching effects of storms. Image: spooh/iStockphoto Aircraft turbulence guidelines should be rewritten, according to researchers who have found thunderstorms can produce unexpected turbulence more than 100km away.Aircraft turbulence guidelines should be completely rewritten after new research by Centre of Excellence chief investigator Dr Todd Lane revealed thunderstorms could produce unexpected turbulence more than 100km away from storm cells. The research by Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science and The University of Melbourne researcher Dr Todd Lane has highlighted the impact of atmospheric gravity waves caused by thunderstorms and how air safety guidelines have not taken them into account.“It is likely that many reports of encounters with turbulence are caused by thunderstorm generated gravity waves, making them far more important for turbulence than had previously been recognised,” Dr Lane said.“Previously it was thought turbulence outside of clouds was...