Reduced Winter‐Time Clear Air Turbulence in the Trans‐Atlantic Region Under Stratospheric Aerosol Injection
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Clear air turbulence (CAT) is a safety threat within the aviation sector and is projected to worsen under global warming. Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) is a climate intervention strategy that aims to ameliorate climate change by artificially cooling Earth. Climate model simulations have found a side‐effect of SAI would be a strengthening of the positive phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). This links to a stronger North Atlantic jet stream and suggests enhanced CAT in the region. Here, we analyze simulations from the UKESM1 climate model to evaluate the impact of a realistic SAI application on winter‐time trans‐Atlantic CAT. We find a 23% decrease in severe CAT frequency under SAI when compared to a baseline high‐end global warming scenario. Our results indicate that the amelioration of global warming under SAI has a more dominant impact on CAT over the North Atlantic than residual impacts to the NAO.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2024gl113627
Authors: K. L. Barnes, A. C. Jones, P. D. Williams, J. M. Haywood
Institutions: University of Exeter, University of Reading
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Funders: University of Exeter, Met Office
OpenAlex ID: W4409809528