Severe rainfall swept across various regions of the United Arab Emirates, including the typically arid desert metropolis of Dubai, on Monday, leading to widespread flooding and disruption of critical infrastructure such as major highways and the international airport.
This torrential downpour, which inundated the area with more rain than it typically receives in a year and a half, has been partially attributed to artificial rain generated through cloud seeding, as per experts.
Cloud seeding is a method of weather modification used to induce precipitation. It involves introducing substances like silver iodide or potassium iodide into clouds via aircraft or helicopters.
These particles facilitate the condensation of water vapor and the formation of raindrops or ice crystals, thereby triggering cloud formation and subsequent rainfall.
A representative from the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) informed local media that they conducted cloud seeding operations this week.
“Whenever clouds are present, we conduct cloud seeding operations. From yesterday until today [Tuesday afternoon], we completed six sorties,” the representative stated.
In addition to the UAE, other countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and Oman, also utilize similar cloud-seeding techniques to augment precipitation within their borders. In December 2023, the UAE assisted Pakistan in inducing artificial rain in Lahore.
Situated in an extremely arid environment, the UAE has been pioneering the use of cloud-seeding technology to enhance rainfall. The average annual precipitation in the Persian Gulf region typically remains below 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) on average.
The primary objective behind implementing this technology is to address the water needs of the burgeoning population and the expanding economy, particularly in sectors like tourism.
Cloud seeding relies on specific meteorological conditions, including the presence of moisture-laden clouds and suitable wind patterns, for its efficacy.
The process aims to stimulate rainfall in targeted regions or mitigate drought conditions, serving various purposes in agriculture, environmental conservation, and water resource management.
During cloud seeding operations, chemicals such as silver iodide are dispersed into the atmosphere using small, slow-moving aircraft.
These chemicals induce freezing within the clouds, prompting rain formation. It’s worth noting that high-speed planes are unsuitable for this task as they may not effectively distribute the chemicals.
Typically, aircraft fly below the clouds during the dispersion process, though navigating above the clouds poses its challenges.
CLOUD SEEDING PROCESS
While cloud seeding offers benefits by supplying water through rainfall, it also carries certain risks. One such risk is the potential for flash floods, which can occur when heavy rainfall overwhelms drainage systems and natural waterways.
Hence, careful monitoring and management of cloud seeding operations are crucial to minimize the risk of flash floods and other adverse impacts.
Recent reports from Oman, a neighboring country of the UAE, indicate that at least 18 fatalities have occurred due to heavy rains and ensuing flooding.
It’s noteworthy that Oman has actively employed cloud seeding to enhance precipitation within its territory. Scientists have voiced concerns regarding the long-term consequences of using the chemical silver iodide in cloud seeding.
These concerns include adverse effects on the ecosystem, such as ocean acidification, depletion of the ozone layer, and increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Additionally, silver, being a heavy and toxic metal, poses risks to the health of plants, humans, and animals.
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