The Engineering Behind Cloud Seeding: The Art of Creating Rain

Cloud seeding produces rain by manipulating clouds.
Loukia Papadopoulos

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Did you know that today, at least 52 countries across the globe are using some sort of weather modification program? In fact, the technology, although very cutting-edge, has been around for more than 75 years and is only set to grow in popularity as climate change takes its toll on the planet.

One form of weather modification is cloud seeding. This is a technology that produces rain by manipulating clouds. The technology can even be used to engineer snow or smaller hail pellets.  

How does it work? Chemicals such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, or solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) are shot into clouds by rockets or sprayed into clouds using drones or aircraft and then produce chain reactions that lead to precipitations.

The technology allows its users to create rain in regions that need it the most (those most affected by droughts). And it actually works. In 2015, cloud seeding increased the local rainfall in Texas by about 34%.

Have we piqued your curiosity yet? Do you want to know more about this futuristic technology? Are you curious about what countries are currently using it and how? Do you want to know its advantages and drawbacks? Then, do not miss this video.

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