ASMET 7: Detecting Clear Air Turbulence Over Southern Africa

 Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1078

Turbulence is a major concern for the aviation industry. It often goes undetected in cloud-free areas, catching pilots off guard when they fly into it. Turbulence can injure passengers and crew, and cause structural damage to aircraft. This makes it critical for aviation weather forecasters to closely monitor the atmosphere for signs of turbulence and issue special warnings when it is likely to be present. This lesson helps prepare forecasters for these tasks by providing general information about turbulence and showing them how to detect it using satellite imagery, tephigrams, and NWP products. The latter is presented in the form of a case study in which learners assume the role of aviation forecaster at Cape Town International Airport (South Africa), and need to determine if turbulence is likely to be present along a particular flight path. The lesson is intended for aviation weather forecasters, general weather forecasters interested in aviation meteorology, and meteorological instructors and students. Note that the lesson is one of three aviation weather case studies developed by the ASMET team to improve aviation forecasting in Africa.

Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.

The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.

WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.

Language(s): English

Tags: Weather forecasting ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; South Africa ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists Add tag