Cloud seeding technology is one of the boldest experiments to intervene in nature.
Cloud seeding technology is considered a strategic solution by many countries. (Source: BBC)
Rainfall Control Technology: From Agricultural Applications to Big Days
From drought relief, ensuring water resources to “keeping the sky clear” for major events, artificial rainmaking technology is becoming a strategic tool for many countries.
In the context of increasingly serious climate change and water scarcity, artificial rain creation technology (cloud seeding) is considered by many countries as a strategic solution. From laboratory research to practical implementation, this technology opens up many opportunities but also causes a lot of debate.
According to scientific research, artificial rainmaking is the process of introducing condensation nuclei such as silver iodide, potassium iodide or dry ice (solid CO₂) into clouds to stimulate the formation of water droplets. When the droplets are large and heavy enough, they will fall and form rain.
Common cloud seeding methods include: Spraying from aircraft, firing rockets or cannons carrying chemicals into the clouds, and even using ground-based flare systems.
This technology is applied to reduce drought, replenish water sources, support agriculture, control forest fires, reduce air pollution and modify weather for major events.
The process of creating artificial rain. (Source: induqin.com)
According to ScienceAlert, Russia has conducted cloud seeding to prevent rain from falling on many major holidays. Typically, on International Labor Day, May 1, 2016. They used planes or rockets to drop some special substances into the clouds such as silver powder, potassium salt or dry ice. These substances help rain fall early elsewhere, before the clouds fly to Moscow. Thanks to that, major events in Russia in recent years have taken place under favorable weather conditions.
Previously, China also applied similar technology in the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. More than 1,100 rockets were fired into the sky to "release" rain before the event took place.
An important step forward comes from the research team of Professor Linda Zou, Khalifa University (UAE). According to MIT Technology Review, the team has developed a nanomaterial with a core of NaCl salt, coated with titanium dioxide.
The notable advantage is that the nanoparticles can work at lower humidity (around 65%), while traditional materials are only effective when the humidity is above 75%. Thanks to that, the ability to form water droplets is significantly improved.
The UAE has tested it in Texas (USA) and recorded positive results. In addition, the group has also developed ice-generating particles for cold clouds, which can operate at temperatures of -8°C, much higher than previous materials.
Potential and challenges
A study in the Global Journal of Climate Studies found that seeding clouds with silver iodide can increase rainfall by 10–30% under optimal conditions. However, the effectiveness depends on many factors, including cloud type, cloud base height, air humidity, and deployment strategy.
Cost-benefit analyses show that the economic benefits, such as increased agricultural productivity or reduced drought damage, often outweigh the costs of implementation. However, scientists recommend that governments rely on scientific evidence, close monitoring and transparency when deploying this technology.
Artificial rainmaking technology opens up many potentials such as supplementing water resources, supporting local climate management and diverse applications in agriculture, the environment, and even events.
However, the challenges are not small: The technology is not yet effective, the cost is high, and it requires modern infrastructure and specialized human resources. In addition, the use of chemicals can raise concerns about long-term environmental impacts. Legal and ethical issues when intervening in the weather, especially in border areas, are also controversial.
From national-scale campaigns to pioneering nanomaterial research in the UAE, artificial rainmaking technology is entering a new phase of development.
However, to become a sustainable solution, this technology needs to be deployed responsibly, based on science, transparently and with international coordination.
Mr. Quang
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/giai-ma-cong-nghe-duoi-may-ar963372.html
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