Artificial rain is a method that aims to obtain precipitation from existing clouds through human intervention. The main goals of this method include meeting energy needs, providing water to arid regions, dispersing fog and controlling weather events. The basic principle is to trigger the formation of precipitation by giving artificial condensation nuclei from outside to clouds that are at a temperature suitable for precipitation.
Generally “cloud seedingThis process, called “”, is used for various purposes such as increasing water resources in regions with water scarcity, increasing agricultural productivity or controlling weather conditions. However, the potential harms of this technology should not be ignored. This initiative includes environmental impacts, health risks and factors that may negatively affect the balance of weather events.
Historical Development of Cloud Seeding
In the late 1940s, studies developed by Irving Langmuir and Vincent Schaefer began with the use of silver iodide. This method coincides with the first experiments with CO2 ice applied to clouds. However, the real beginning of cloud seeding began with Bernard Vonnegut’s studies using silver iodide in 1947. Silver iodide stood out as an easier-to-use substance compared to other alternatives such as CO2 ice (dry ice) and is still widely preferred today.
This technology was developed by the USA in the 1960s and is used by 24 countries today. In Turkey, it was implemented in the 1990s by İSKİ (Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration) in Istanbul and at different times in Izmir and Ankara. In Turkey, cloud seeding process is generally used in daily language as “rain bomb” It is called.
What is the Cloud Seeding Method and How is it Done?
In order for precipitation to occur, the presence of clouds is necessary. Once the cloud has cooled sufficiently, water begins to accumulate on tiny particles called condensation nuclei that occur naturally in the atmosphere. As a result of this accumulation, water droplets grow and fall downwards under the influence of gravity. However, if there are not enough condensation nuclei in the environment, condensation does not occur and precipitation does not occur. At this point, artificial rainfall applications come into play.
cloud seeding This method aims to create precipitation by giving ice particles to the clouds. Substances such as ammonium nitrate, cadmium iodide, copper sulfide, lead iodide, CO2 ice and silver iodide can be used for this process.
However, caution must be exercised in cloud seeding, otherwise negative consequences may occur. For example, situations such as increased hail or decreased rainfall may occur. During the application, factors such as wind condition, weather conditions, air rise rate, cooled water droplets, growth characteristics of the droplets and nucleus concentration are taken into consideration. After the seeding process, rainfall can usually be received within 15 minutes to 1 hour. Cumulus clouds in summer and low clouds in winter are generally suitable for artificial precipitation.
It has been determined that cloud seeding can cause an increase in precipitation in orographic clouds rising from slopes. Since stratiform clouds are generally thin clouds, they release precipitation by seeding and then disperse.
This process can be performed in several different ways. Generally, airplanes, ground-to-air rockets and generators are used. Generators spray condensation particles from the ground into the air. Studies have shown that cloud seeding can increase precipitation by 5% to 20%. However, there are also scientists in Turkey who oppose cloud seeding.
Harms of Cloud Seeding Method
Cloud seeding has various positive effects as well as negative effects. As with any technology, artificial rainIt also has some negative aspects. Cloud seeding is a difficult process to control and can lead to irreversible effects once started. Therefore, it is not possible to keep the negative effects under control. Additionally, there is no conclusive evidence that cloud seeding produces effective results.
However, we do not have complete information about the potential harms of the substances used in cloud seeding, especially silver iodide, to the environment and living things. Cloud seeding is an artificial way of creating precipitation by inducing moisture in clouds and is considered a type of weather modification. This process is similar to the process of a farmer planting seeds in a field and turning them into crops; but here the clouds are filled with “seeds” to fall as rain. These “seeds” usually consist of substances such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, and dry ice.
It May Lead to Changes in the Climate Pattern
The technique is often used on clouds that show early signs of precipitation, so it is not known for certain whether they actually cause precipitation. However, because it changes the weather pattern, it can lead to changes in climate patterns. However, the full impact of cloud seeding on the environment is not yet fully understood.
Cloud seeding has many disadvantages. Most important is the ambiguity of targeting. Once the seeds are released, the rest is left to nature. Under the influence of wind, seeds may deviate from their targets and bring precipitation to unwanted areas, which may cause desired areas to dry out.
Most cloud seeding processes use a chemical such as silver iodide as the main ingredient. However, there are still many questions about how safe long-term exposure or consumption of this chemical is for plants, animals and humans. Health problems and environmental effects vary depending on the degree of excess silver iodide exposure. Silver iodide may cause respiratory and skin disorders. It can also cause kidney and lung lesions and even a condition called Argyria. Argyria is a rare condition characterized by skin color taking on a blue or gray tint.
However, some studies show that the toxicity of silver and silver compounds is low. These findings arise from the fact that the very small amounts of silver produced by cloud seeding are much less than the emissions released into the atmosphere by industry worldwide.
Uncontrolled Rains May Create Serious Flood Risk
This can lead to serious consequences, especially if the strengthened storm causes flooding rain or even flash flood deaths. Health problems and environmental impact vary depending on whether storms are intensified or rain is suppressed. Rain suppression can cause negative impacts on agricultural areas; Various consequences can occur, such as lack of vegetation and reductions in crop harvests. Therefore, no matter how beneficial it may be to produce rainfall, it can pose a serious flood risk due to uncontrolled rainfall.
Cloud seeding can also cause many ecological side effects. The lives of many animals may be endangered by artificial rain production. This poses a risk not only to the fauna but also to the flora. Therefore, practices such as cloud seeding, even if done for a common purpose, can pose a threat to all living organisms.
First Used During the Vietnam War
cloud seeding first during the Vietnam War used. During Operation Popeye (1967–72), the Department of Defense seeded clouds to extend the monsoon season of Vietcong guerrillas led by Ho Chi Minh. The aim of this program was to prevent the use of major supply routes due to flooding.
The world’s largest cloud seeding system is located in China. China produces 55 billion tons of artificial rain annually and plans to fivefold this amount. China used cloud seeding to clean up air pollution in Beijing ahead of the 2008 Olympics.
China uses interesting techniques for this purpose. It seeds clouds with tools such as silver iodide-coated rockets or artillery shells. For this process, state companies such as Jiangxi Gangsi coat cannons or aircraft-fired projectiles with catalytic chemicals to create water droplets, often using substances such as silver iodide or liquid nitrogen.
Artificial Rains Cause Floods in Dubai
cloud seedingOne of the most used places is Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates after China. dubaiSince it is located in an arid geography, it frequently uses this technology to produce artificial rain.
Most recently, Dubai was seriously flooded after artificial rain. In Dubai, where artificial rain effect was initiated with cloud seeding technology, more rainfall occurred than expected. While life in the city came to a halt, streets and roads became unusable with the closure of schools.
Gulf country United Arab EmiratesHeavy rains affecting the UAE negatively affected living conditions. According to the National Center for Meteorology, recorded rainfall was the highest since 1949. One person lost his life after being swept away by flood waters in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, located in the north of the country. Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE, struggled with heavy rains and floods.
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