The UAE National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has announced a collaboration with US-based Stratton Park Engineering Company (SPEC) for a field campaign on cloud seeding. This initiative aims to investigate the effectiveness of various cloud seeding materials, with and without electric charge, to enhance rainfall in the UAE and parts of Oman. The project will involve a series of coordinated flight missions utilizing NCM’s cloud seeding aircraft and SPEC’s instrumented research Learjet aircraft.
The month-long rain enhancement initiative will be conducted out of Al Ain International Airport, also known as Abu Dhabi’s second international airport. The NCM and SPEC will gather initial measurements of cloud microphysical properties and electrical characteristics at different altitudes to identify suitable clouds for seeding. Subsequently, cloud seeding operations will be conducted by NCM using diverse cloud targets.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Director General of NCM, emphasized the importance of this research campaign for promoting innovative research and addressing national priorities such as water security. He highlighted the commitment of NCM to empower local talent and develop new technologies that can increase rainfall for future generations at risk of water shortage.
Cloud seeding is a technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into subfreezing clouds. By conducting this field campaign, the NCM and SPEC aim to enhance the UAE’s readiness to address water challenges and proactively manage water resources.
The UAE Rain Enhancement Program, affiliated with the National Center of Meteorology, has already been recognized for its achievements in enhancing the country’s future readiness in addressing water challenges. In 2020, the cumulative volume of rainfall in the UAE reached 5.6 billion cubic meters, with 280 million cubic meters resulting from rain enhancement operations conducted by the National Center of Meteorology. During the same year, the NCM conducted 390 cloud seeding operations, totaling 1,170 hours.
The upcoming field campaign will further contribute to the UAE’s efforts to enhance water security and address water scarcity concerns. By exploring different cloud seeding materials and their performance with and without electric charge, the NCM and SPEC aim to optimize rainfall enhancement techniques and ensure a sustainable water supply for the region.
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