INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Chinese government scientists have released the results of a weather modification experiment in the dry western region of Xinjiang
A fleet of cloud seeding drones increased rainfall by over 4 per cent across more than 8,000 sq km (3,089 sq miles) in a day, according to
the project team led by Li Bin, senior engineer with the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).The operation generated more than 70,000
using 1kg (2.2 Ibs) of silver iodide, a common cloud-seeding compound.This amount of silver iodide powder, six times the density of water,
was detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published in Chinese-language journal Desert and Oasis Meteorology on April 10.Two models of
medium-sized drones ascended to altitudes of 5,500 metres (18,000 feet) on July 9, 2023, releasing the silver iodide through four
consecutive flights over the Bayanbulak Grasslands, according to the study.The plan map for a test in 2023
Photo: China Meteorological AdministrationThe yellowish powder was wrapped in a flame bar, and released to the atmosphere in smoke.Each
flight used two flame bars, each bar containing 125 grams (0.2 Ibs) of silver iodide, according to the researchers
The silver iodide particles were dispersed at a rate of 0.28 grams per second.Since 2021, the project team networked 24 automated ground
colleagues wrote in the paper.
Similar weather modification practices have been carried out in other countries and many regions in China
such as Guizhou, Shanghai, Gansu and Sichuan.But how to conclusively determine whether a cloud-seeding operation amplified or inadvertently
Modification Office, the team employed three validation methods to cross-exam the results.Raindrop spectrometers showed droplet diameters
expanding from 0.46mm to 3.22mm (0.2 inches to 0.12 inches) post-seeding, while satellite imagery recorded cloud-top cooling of up to 10
degrees Celsius (50 Fahrenheit) and vertical growth of around 3km (1.8 miles), proving the positive effect with physical
evidence.Statistical analysis, based on 50 years of regional climate data, estimated 78,200 cubic metres of added rainfall with 3.8 per cent
relative enhancement.Supercomputer simulations predicted a 73,800 cubic metres increase (4.3 per cent boost), aligning closely with ground
observations.The effect of weather modification depended on many factors, which can vary significantly in different time and places,
retreat and desertification
annually, according to official estimates.But the region is also getting more rainfall at a rate of 6.44mm (0.25 inches) per decade due to
believed to help accelerate the natural greening process.Source: South China Morning Post
