Cloud seeding brings heavy rain in UAE, again. Let’s explore tech’s future in the Gulf state
UAE’s National Centre of Meteorology’s (NCM) cloud seeding division recently dispatched 14 specialised flights to amplify rainfall across the country. Thanks to their efforts, residents enjoyed precipitation on February 11 and 12, including heavy rain and even hail.
Cloud seeding or artificial rain is a weather modification technique that improves of cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow, by encouraging smaller water droplets within clouds to merge into larger, heavier raindrops, subsequently falling to the ground, according to Gulf News.
The technology involves the use of substances like salt crystals, that are introduced into clouds to encourage the formation of larger raindrops. The technique can only be applied when clouds containing moisture develop or pass over the country, and doesn’t create clouds.
Details on future of cloud seeding in UAE
Frequency of cloud seeding tech use in UAE
WHAT’S ON released a report on October 27, 2023, reporting on some of the most fascinating fats about UAE’s cloud seeding project. It noted that the country carries out about 300 missions annually as part of its efforts to enhance precipitation in the region.
Can cloud seeding improve conditions in UAE?
The Emirates has an arid climate, experiencing 100 mm of rainfall every year. An experiment conducted in 2004 and 2005 demonstrated that cloud seeding can enhance rainfall by 15% to 25%, depending on atmospheric conditions at the time of conducting the process.
Importance of artificial rain
The country considers water security as an essential element of national security. The artificial rain project helps it to find innovative solutions that contribute to global water security by ensuring the sustainability of water resources in arid regions across the globe.
History
Through the project, the UAE has emerged as a key hub for cutting-edge rain enhancement research. The first attempt at cloud seeding took place in 1982. The programme started at the end of 1990s and by early 2001, it was cooperating with renowned organisations.
Expectations
In terms of the future for cloud seeding in the Emirates, the country seeks to continue investing in the evolving technique and research to stimulate and promote scientific advancement and the development of new technology in the sector.
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