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Cloud Seeding Experiment Enhances Rainfall in Solapur: A Breakthrough in Water Availability
A recent cloud seeding experiment conducted in Solapur city has shown promising results in enhancing rainfall in a region that typically receives low precipitation. The experiment, known as Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX phase-4), aimed to investigate the efficacy of hygroscopic seeding in deep convective clouds and develop a cloud seeding protocol.
Significance of the Experiment
Solapur city, located on the leeward side of the Western Ghats, receives minimal rainfall during the monsoon season. The cloud seeding experiment, carried out during the summer monsoon period of 2018 and 2019, resulted in an 18% relative enhancement in rainfall. This breakthrough discovery could potentially address water scarcity issues in drought-prone areas.
Key Features of the Experiment
The experiment involved studying various cloud parameters and seeding the clouds using two aircraft. A total of 276 convective clouds were chosen, out of which 150 were seeded and 122 were not. Only convective clouds with a depth of over one kilometer and the potential to evolve into deep cumulus clouds were targeted for seeding. Calcium chloride flare was used as the seeding agent, released at the base of warm convective clouds during their growing stage.
Objectives of the Experiment
The primary objective of the experiment was to investigate the effectiveness of cloud seeding in producing rainfall. The researchers aimed to analyze the microphysics and characteristics of convective clouds to identify the ones suitable for seeding. Additionally, they aimed to develop a high-resolution numerical model to guide stakeholders in planning and conducting cloud seeding projects in India.
Effects and Results
The cloud seeding experiment achieved an 18% increase in rainfall, equivalent to approximately 8.67mm more rainfall. The relative enhancement of accumulated rainfall was observed over two hours after seeding the clouds, resulting in a total enhancement of water availability by 867 million liters. The study demonstrated that cloud seeding can be an effective strategy for enhancing rainfall in suitable conditions.
Pros and Cons
While cloud seeding shows potential in addressing water scarcity and boosting agricultural productivity, it is important to consider potential drawbacks. One of the key findings of the study was that not all cumulus clouds produce rainfall when seeded. Additionally, the actual increase in rainfall over a 100 sq.km area was only 18% despite an initial relative enhancement of 46%. The cost of cloud seeding was estimated at 18 paisa per liter during this research experiment. However, the cost could be significantly reduced by utilizing indigenous seeding aircraft.
Fun Fact
The experiment’s findings revealed that around 20-25% of cumulus clouds can produce rainfall when cloud seeding is carried out correctly. This highlights the varying nature of cloud microphysics and the need for careful selection of clouds for effective seeding.
Overall, the cloud seeding experiment in Solapur city has showcased the potential of this technique in enhancing rainfall and addressing water scarcity. While further research is needed to refine the methodology and optimize cost-effectiveness, this breakthrough discovery opens up new possibilities for managing drought conditions and ensuring a more sustainable water supply.
Mutiple Choice Questions
1. What is the primary objective of the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX phase-4)?
a) To investigate the effectiveness of cloud seeding in producing rainfall
b) To study the microphysics and characteristics of convective clouds
c) To develop a high-resolution numerical model for cloud seeding
d) To understand the availability of additional water through cloud seeding
Explanation: The primary objective of the CAIPEEX phase-4 experiment was to investigate the efficacy of hygroscopic seeding in deep convective clouds and to develop a cloud seeding protocol. (Option b is incorrect as it is mentioned that the study was carried out to first study and understand the microphysics and characteristics of convective clouds, not the primary objective)
2. How much relative enhancement in rainfall was achieved through the cloud seeding experiment in Solapur city?
a) 8.67mm
b) 18%
c) 867 million litres
d) 46%
Explanation: The cloud seeding experiment in Solapur city achieved a relative enhancement in rainfall of approximately 18%, which is equivalent to approximately 8.67mm of additional rainfall. (Options a, c, and d are incorrect as they do not represent the correct amount of relative enhancement in rainfall achieved)
3. What is the approximate cost of producing water through cloud seeding according to the study?
a) 18 paisa per litre
b) 50 paisa per litre
c) 18% of total cost
d) 50% of total cost
Explanation: The study estimated that the approximate cost of producing water through cloud seeding was 18 paisa per litre. (Option b is incorrect as it does not represent the correct cost mentioned in the study)
4. What percentage of cumulus clouds produce rainfall when cloud seeding is done correctly?
a) 18%
b) 20-25%
c) 46%
d) 50%
Explanation: The study found that 20-25% of cumulus clouds produce rainfall if cloud seeding is done correctly. (Options a, c, and d are incorrect as they do not represent the correct percentage mentioned in the study)
5. How many convective clouds were chosen for the randomised seeding experiment?
a) 384
b) 422
c) 150
d) 122
Explanation: A total of 276 convective clouds were chosen for the randomised seeding experiment, out of which 150 were seeded and 122 were not seeded. (Options a and b are incorrect as they represent the total rainfall in Solapur city, not the number of convective clouds chosen for the experiment)
Brief Summary UPSC – IAS
A cloud seeding experiment conducted in Solapur, India, achieved an 18% increase in rainfall, equivalent to an extra 8.67mm, according to a recent study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. The study used hygroscopic seeding in deep convective clouds and found that cloud seeding can be effective in enhancing rainfall when certain conditions are met. A total of 276 convective clouds were studied, with 150 seeded and 122 unseeded. The experiment resulted in a total enhancement of 867 million litres of water availability. Cloud seeding was found to be a partial solution for addressing water requirements and managing drought conditions.