Smooth sailing…
(So they say)
Clear skies…
(Then you’re thrown away!)
No warning…
(No time to prepare)
Hold on tight…
(It’s rising up there!)
[Verse 1]
Thirty thousand feet above the ground
Nothing but blue skies all around
No thunderheads, no storm in sight
Then the cabin takes a sudden flight
[Refrain]
Clear-air
(But it’s still there)
Rising turbulence
(Might need an ambulance)
Invisible threat?
(You bet)
Altered gradient
(Meet your accident)
[Verse 2]
The jet stream’s moving through the sky
With stronger shear as winds collide
The Arctic warms, the gradients change
And flight conditions rearrange
[Refrain]
Clear-air
(But it’s still there)
Rising turbulence
(Might need an ambulance)
Invisible threat?
(You bet)
Altered gradient
(Meet your accident)
What’s the warning?
(There may be none!)
What’s the forecast?
(The flight’s begun!)
Up and down!
(Up and down!)
Side to side!
(Hold on tight!)
Smooth air?
(Nowhere)
Clear skies?
(Our voice cries)
[Final Refrain]
Clear-air
(But it’s still there)
Rising turbulence
(Might need an ambulance)
Invisible threat?
(You bet)
Altered gradient
(Meet your accident)
[Outro]
Clear skies…
(Don’t be fooled!)
Smooth flight…
(Keep the rule!)
About the Song
Clear-air turbulence and severe flight bumps are increasing due to climate change.
Key Facts About Rising Turbulence
• Increase Over Time: Severe clear-air turbulence over major routes like the North Atlantic has increased by 55% since 1979.
• Climate Link: A warming planet alters temperature gradients between the Arctic, polar regions, and the equator, strengthening the jet stream and increasing wind shear.
• Invisible Threat: Clear-air turbulence happens without clouds or storms, making it undetectable by standard aircraft weather radar.
• Safety Advice: Keeping your seatbelt fastened whenever you are seated remains the best defense against injury during unexpected bumps
From the album “Feedback Coupling“