Cloud Seeding:
Human beings have gradually learned to control the adverse conditions of nature by using their conscience, judgment, analytical skills, intelligence, and practical abilities. Extreme heat? So what! We have cooling fans and air conditioning. Huge ships have been built to facilitate sea travel, and flying vehicles like airplanes, helicopters, and rockets have emerged from our dream of soaring through the sky like birds. In addition to controlling numerous elements of nature, humans have recently learned to control rain as well. Artificial precipitation is one such technology, referring to rainfall that is induced through scientific methods.
The concept of artificial rainfall was first proposed by environmentalist Louis Guthman, who suggested using liquid carbon dioxide to convert natural clouds into man-controlled rain. In 1930, scientist Bergeron Findissen presented a theory stating that “in the presence of ice crystals, extremely cold water particles condense and eventually fall as rain.” General Electric researcher Vincent Schiffer brought this theory to life by discovering the principle of artificial precipitation in July 1946. Later, he collaborated with Nobel laureate Irving Langmuir to develop techniques for generating artificial rain, leading to the current cloud seeding technology.
Cloud seeding employs common chemicals like dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), silver iodide, and potassium iodide. Additionally, liquid propane gas is utilized, as it can form ice crystals at higher temperatures than silver iodide, causing clouds to condense rapidly and reach a state suitable for precipitation. Recently, sodium chloride (table salt) has become more widely used in this technology due to its lower cost and effectiveness.
During cloud seeding, the temperature within the cloud can drop from 7°C to 20°C, creating a risk of snowfall. Chemicals like silver iodide are used to mitigate this risk.
Cloud seeding materials are dispersed around clouds using aircraft or rockets. As the aircraft passes through the clouds, silver iodide is released. Tiny crystalline grains of this chemical act as “cloud seeds,” causing the water vapor to collect water particles and form larger droplets. First, clouds must be generated; then, they must be condensed to create conditions suitable for precipitation. Once the condensed clouds gain enough weight, they fall as rain under the pull of gravity. Thus, artificial rain is typically created by transforming clouds floating in the sky into water droplets.
Efforts to manage natural disasters, such as heavy rains, floods, cyclones, and hurricanes, through artificial rainfall technology have proven effective. Recently, the Indonesian government successfully controlled cyclone conditions using this technology. Additionally, on the opening day of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, the Chinese Meteorological Administration predicted heavy rain in the area. To alleviate concerns, China employed cloud seeding to induce rainfall before the clouds reached the Olympic venue, providing relief to the organizing committee. India has also begun experimenting with cloud seeding technology.
Not only can this technology help manage natural calamities, but it can also increase the annual average rainfall in a particular area by 10 to 20 percent. This is particularly beneficial for crop production in arid and drought-prone regions. Several countries, including China, Indonesia, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Spain, Russia, Germany, Australia, and Senegal, have successfully enhanced crop yields using cloud seeding technology. With rising global temperatures due to climate change, more countries may turn to this technology to combat desertification. As a result, nations facing extreme weather conditions may find themselves relying on cloud seeding technology.
According to scientist Isaac Newton, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Thus, artificial rainfall in one area may lead to a significant reduction in rainfall elsewhere. Additionally, excessive use of silver iodide could negatively impact soil quality and affect local flora and fauna. Therefore, this technology should be managed carefully by experienced scientists, and all stakeholders must collaborate to ensure the responsible use of this modern scientific advancement.