Does Climate Change Make Turbulence Worse?

Alaska Rivers Turn Orange Due to Climate Change

Dozens of rivers and streams in Alaska are turning a rusty orange color, and is likely a consequence of thawing permafrost according to a new study. The Arctic is the fastest-warming region on Earth. As frozen ground below the surface melts, minerals that were once locked away in the soil are now seeping into waterways. When the minerals are exposed to oxygen, it can increase the acidity of the water and dissolves metals like zinc, copper, cadmium, and iron, which is where the rusty color comes from. The study suggests this could cause a degradation of drinking water and pose a risk to fisheries. In 2018, Kobuk Valley National Park saw the complete loss of two local fish species after noticing a milky orange color in the rivers and tributaries in the park, which likely damaged the base of their food web.

Aliya Uteuova, The Guardian

MetSprite Drone Takes to the Skies

A United Kingdom-based aerospace company called Menapia has created a new drone named MetSprite. It is a fully automated weather drone that can conduct atmospheric observations up to 2km above sea level an can fly in 97% of the UK’s weather. MetSprite contains precise meteorological sensors that measure data such as temperature, humidity, air pressure, and 3D wind. With near real-time readings, this means more timely and accurate weather forecasts can be made to help keep people safe. The drone is said to be more cost-effective than weather balloons due to its automation and reusability. The drone is also able to fill significant gaps in observations in the region, which currently limits understanding and forecast skill.

Leslie Sattler, Yahoo!

Will Climate Change Make Turbulence Worse?

A British man was recently killed on a flight from London to Singapore after the plane he was on experienced severe turbulence. Turbulence of that intensity is rare, but recent studies have shown that climate change could be increasing the risk. Clear air turbulence, or a change of wind direction in or around the jet stream could be to blame. Last year, scientists found that severe turbulence has increased 55% between 1979 and 2020 in the North Atlantic. Warmer air from increasing greenhouse gases has changed the wind speed in the jet stream. This type of turbulence is notoriously difficult to forecast and for pilots to navigate as it cannot be picked up on radar systems or be seen.

Esme Stallard, BBC News

What’s in the works for ClimateWatch?

Our goal is to bring you the latest in climate issues, trends, forecasts, innovations, and more. One way we’re hoping to do that in the future is by including an in-depth analysis from one of our experts! Stay tuned for that, you won’t want to miss it.