Every time it rains in the UAE, someone inevitably attributes it to cloud seeding, as if it were a scientific mystery game. It’s like Colonel Rain Mac, flying in a twin-prop plane, armed with a sack of silver iodide. While some of these claims may be accurate, cloud seeding missions are indeed a regular occurrence in the UAE, a region known for its limited precipitation and abundant sunshine. But how frequent are these missions? And do they truly make a significant impact? What exactly are clouds seeded with, and where does this process take place? What does the future hold for cloud seeding in this area?
To shed light on these questions let’s explore, Here are 10 intriguing insights into the practice of cloud seeding in this region…
How many cloud-seeding missions does the UAE fly each year?
The United Arab Emirates conducts approximately 300 cloud seeding missions each year as a part of its ongoing initiatives to increase rainfall.
Are there specific types of clouds that respond best to cloud seeding, if so what do they look like and where can they most often be found?
Not all types of clouds respond equally to cloud seeding. Cumuliform clouds, such as cumulus clouds with a heaped shape and strong updraft at their bases, are generally considered the most responsive to cloud seeding efforts.
How much rainfall a year can be attributed to cloud seeding in the UAE?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) experiences an arid climate, receiving less than 100mm of rainfall per year. A statistical randomization experiment carried out during the summers of 2004 and 2005 revealed that cloud seeding has the potential to increase precipitation by 15% in a dusty atmosphere. This enhancement ratio could even reach up to 25% in a clear atmosphere.
Are there seasonal patterns to the UAE’s cloud seeding trips?
Originally, the UAE’s cloud seeding operations were centered on summertime convection in the northeastern Hajar mountains. However, over the years, these operations have evolved to include year-round targeting of appropriate cloud formations throughout the entire UAE since 2006.
What are the materials that are used and how do they work?
The UAE utilizes environmentally friendly materials, specifically hygroscopic materials, in flares that contain natural salts like potassium chloride and sodium chloride. Recently, the country has begun incorporating novel nanomaterials, which are both hygroscopic and hydrophilic and have shown to be more efficient than traditional materials in improving precipitation.
Do the seeding mission pilots have any special rituals or names for their aircraft?
The UAE operates four specialized Beechcraft King Air aircraft for seeding operations. This team consists of nine skilled pilots and a dedicated scientific and technical crew, many of whom are UAE nationals. Together, they execute these operations with precision and expertise.
How crucial is cloud seeding in the UAE’s water security efforts?
Water security is a top priority for the UAE, seen as a critical component of national security. Cloud seeding plays a vital role in the country’s quest for innovative solutions that not only benefit the UAE but also contribute to global water security by ensuring the sustainability of water resources in arid regions worldwide.
The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in rain enhancement research, thanks to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP). These organizations have spearheaded efforts to advance rain enhancement science and technology, focusing on cutting-edge methods to stimulate rainfall in arid regions. These methods include nanotechnology, algorithm-based data processing, convergence zone studies, ice nucleation, aerosol seeding optimization, cloud electrical properties analysis, artificial cloud creation for rain induction, targeted observation and seeding using unmanned aerial vehicles, and advanced experimental-numerical approaches to rain enhancement.
When did cloud seeding begin in the UAE, and what have we discovered since then?
The initial cloud seeding experiment in the UAE took place in February 1982 under the supervision of Abu Dhabi Municipality. At that time, various experiments were conducted without a solid scientific foundation.
The UAE’s cloud-seeding program officially started in the late 1990s and began collaborating with prestigious organizations such as the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in Colorado, USA, Witwatersrand University in South Africa, and NASA. By 2005, a joint research team was formed to enhance our understanding of the chemical and physical properties of clouds suitable for seeding. It was discovered that hygroscopic seeding agents showed the most promise for increasing rainfall in the country.
To advance the science and practice of weather modification, the UAE introduced the ‘UAE Prize for Excellence’ in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This initiative evolved into the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) in 2015, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Presidential Court. The program aims to foster scientific progress and the development of new technologies in the field.
Looking ahead, the UAE remains committed to cloud seeding as a means to improve water resources and combat water scarcity in the region. By providing funding to selected research teams with innovative ideas and project proposals, the country continues to invest in cloud-seeding technology and research to drive scientific advancement and technological development in this area.
Also Read: Cloud seeding in the UAE: what is it?