What is clear air turbulence?

In a clear sky, planes can be struck by severe turbulence and it’s likely to occur more often due to climate change.

Transcript

00:00 A recent rise in severe turbulence incidents has a troubling connection to climate change.

00:07 So what causes this scary phenomenon, especially when there aren't even any clouds around?

00:13 A dozen people have been injured by severe air turbulence with Australians among those on board.

00:18 A Singapore Airlines flight that plummeted 6,000 feet in five seconds, are being treated in hospital.

00:24 One was struck by something called clear air turbulence, or CAT for short.

00:31 Unlike regular turbulence, CAT can't be seen on satellites or on board sensors, and strikes unexpectedly in clear skies.

00:41 Clear air turbulence, there's no way of knowing when it's going to happen, where, and the severity or intensity of the turbulence.

00:50 Research has found that CAT has increased and will continue to increase due to climate change.

00:57 [MUSIC PLAYING]