Artificial Rain or Cloud Seeding | About, Method, Process, Environmental effects and Scope in india

Image credit : let's talk science

Artificial rain, is the process in which the substance are involves into cloud and water vapour to encourage the rainfall in areas experiencing water scarcity.

It is depending on factors like cloud type and atmospheric conditions.

Cloud Seeding : About

Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique in which substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, or sodium chloride are dispersed in air to formation of clouds.

These substances provide nuclei around to formation of ice crystals or raindrops.

It leads to increased rainfall or snowfall in targeted areas.

Cloud Seeding : Method

1. Ground based Seeding

Ground-based seeding is the method in which the seeding agents are disperse into the air by specialized generators from ground.

These generators release the seeding material into the atmosphere, where it is carried upward by air currents into the target clouds.

Ground based seeding, credit : cnet

Ground-based seeding is often used in areas where aircraft seeding is not practical or cost-effective. It can also be used to target clouds that are closer to the ground.

ground-based seeding may have limitations in terms of coverage and effectiveness compared to aircraft seeding.

2. Aircraft Seeding

Aircraft seeding is the method in which the aircraft equipped with seeding equipment fly into the clouds and release the seeding material.

This method is particularly effective for targeting to deliver seeding agents directly into clouds which are associated with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall.

Aircraft Seeding, credit : treehugger.com

When the seeding material is dispersed into the cloud, it interacts with moisture to promote precipitation. Aircraft seeding allows for precise targeting of clouds and can cover a larger area compared to ground-based methods.

Cloud Seeding : Process

1. Cloud Identification :

Meteorologists identify clouds that are suitable for seeding. These are often cumulus or cumulonimbus clouds, which are capable of producing precipitation.

2. Seeding Material Selection :

Once suitable clouds are identified, the appropriate seeding material is chosen. Common materials include silver iodide, potassium iodide, and calcium chloride. These materials serve as nuclei around which ice crystals or raindrops can form.

3. Dispersion:

The seeding material is dispersed into the clouds using various methods. Ground-based generators may release the material into the air, while aircraft can fly into the clouds and disperse the seeding agents directly.

4. Particle Interaction:

Once introduced into the cloud, the seeding particles interact with the moisture present. In the case of silver iodide, for example, it acts as a nucleating agent, promoting the formation of ice crystals.

5. Precipitation Enhancement:

The presence of the seeding particles can enhance the natural precipitation process. In cold clouds, such as those found at high altitudes, seeding can encourage the formation of ice crystals, which may grow and fall as snow or melt into rain as they descend. In warmer clouds, seeding can encourage the growth of raindrops.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation:

Meteorologists monitor weather conditions and precipitation patterns to evaluate the effectiveness of cloud seeding efforts. This may involve ground-based weather stations, radar, satellite imagery, and other observation methods.

Cloud Seeding : Effects on environment

Cloud seeding can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. Here are some key points to consider:

Cloud Seeding : Positive Effects

Water Resource Management :

The primary goals of cloud seeding is to increase precipitation which can help mitigate drought conditions and augment water resources. 

cloud seeding can provide additional water for agricultural, industrial and domestic use in the water scarcity region.

Agricultural Benefits : 

Increased precipitation resulting from cloud seeding can benefit agriculture by providing adequate water for crops and improving soil moisture levels.

This can contribute to higher crop yields and agricultural productivity.

Reduced Impact of Hailstorms :  

Cloud seeding has been used to reduce the hailstorms by encouraging the formation of smaller ice crystals that are less likely to grow into damaging hailstones.

This can help protect crops, property and infrastructure from hail-related damage.

Cloud Seeding : Negative Effects

Environmental Impact : 

Cloud seeding involves the release of seeding agents such as silver iodide or potassium iodide into the atmosphere which can have environmental consequences. The materials used for seeding have long-term effects on ecosystems and human health. 

Generally it considered safe in small quantities.

Uncertainty and Unintended Consequences : 

The effectiveness of cloud seeding is depending on factors such as cloud type, atmospheric conditions, and local geography. 

The long-term environmental impacts of cloud seeding may altered precipitation patterns or some changes in weather systems may occur.

Cloud Seeding : Scope in India

The rising air pollution levels in the NCT Delhi, Delhi government is considered implementation of artificial rain through cloud seeding in Nov 2023.

IIT Kanpur's initiative to induce artificial rain as a temporary solution to counter pollutants and dust in Delhi.

IIT had deployed aircraft equipped with cloud-seeding devices to create rains that wash away pollutants. The team employed a six-seater Cessna plane to release salt from flares into the clouds. This process aims to stimulate and speed up the condensation process for rainfall.

The AQI dropped from nearly 500 last night to 407 at morning.

NOTE : Cloud Seeding offers temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution.

It has environmental drawbacks, such as acidification of oceans, ozone layer depletion and potential harm from the toxic silver iodide.

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