The Science and Efficacy of Cloud Seeding in Addressing Air Pollution and Drought
Cloud seeding involves spraying salt mixtures (like silver iodide or calcium chloride) into clouds via aircraft to induce precipitation. Recently, IIT Kanpur conducted trials over Delhi to combat smog, but results were disappointing due to unsuitable cloud conditions. Historically, India's experience with cloud seeding dates back to 1952. A major study, the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) (2017-2019), found that seeding could increase rainfall by 18-46% in specific drought-prone regions like Solapur. However, the post-monsoon clouds over Delhi often lack the necessary moisture and quality for successful seeding.
Key Points
- Cloud seeding requires specific cloud types with sufficient moisture and 'supercooled' water droplets to be effective.
- The CAIPEEX experiment (2017-2019) provided scientific evidence that seeding can enhance rainfall in drought-prone areas like Solapur, Maharashtra.
- Recent attempts in Delhi failed because the atmospheric conditions and cloud quality were not conducive to inducing rain.
- Silver iodide and calcium chloride are the most common agents used to facilitate the coalescence of water droplets into rain.
Exam Facts
- CAIPEEX stands for Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment.
- The CAIPEEX study (2017-2019) found a 46% average increase in rain at seeded locations in Solapur.
- India's first cloud seeding experiments were conducted in 1952 by S.K. Banerji.
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