IIT-Kanpur Conducts Cloud Seeding Experiment in Delhi Despite Meteorological Warnings of Insufficient Cloud Cover
Researchers from IIT-Kanpur attempted cloud seeding in Delhi to combat air pollution, despite warnings from the IMD about insufficient cloud cover. Using a Cessna aircraft, they fired a mixture of silver iodide, common salt, and rock salt into the atmosphere. While the experiment failed to produce rain due to low moisture (less than 15%), it aimed to test a 'proprietary solution' manufactured in Sivakasi. This was the first time since 1972 that Delhi experimented with cloud seeding specifically for air quality improvement. The IMD and MoES remained neutral, providing data but not specific advice on proceeding.
Key Points
- Cloud seeding involves spraying fine chemical aerosols like silver iodide into clouds to induce precipitation.
- The experiment failed because the clouds lacked the minimum 15% moisture required for effective seeding.
- This was Delhi's first attempt at using cloud seeding to mitigate air pollution since 1972.
Exam Facts
- 10 kg of silver iodide and salt mixture was used in the experiment.
- The proprietary seeding solution was manufactured at Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu.
- The experiment required clouds with at least 15% moisture to be effective.
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