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<br />while kept in storage between operational periods. However, using either dry ice or ejectable <br />flares, the seeding technique is essentially the same: an aircraft penetrates a new-growth cloud <br />and delivers the seeding agent of choice into the updraft column. <br /> <br />Over the years, both cloud physics research and results from other programs, much like <br />our own, have been applied to the WKWMP whenever possible to ensure we maintain a <br />reasonable state-of-the-art mode. We test and implement new things ourselves when it appears it <br />will enhance our overall operational capability and keep costs at reasonable levels. <br /> <br />The cloud systems listed below, and variations of them, are most responsible for <br />producing rain and hail in Western Kansas: <br /> <br />(1) the air-mass storm complex <br /> <br />(2) multiple-celled storms <br /> <br />(3) the squall line <br /> <br />Air-mass storms often become complex after starting out as an isolated cloud system <br />having a well-organized cloud base and new growth updraft area usually visible somewhere <br />around its base. Multiple cloud turrets often develop around the initial "parent" storm; <br />subsequent storm movements can become erratic depending upon several factors such as its <br />severity, terrain effects, dynamic factors within the storm, cloud height, variability of wind speed <br />and direction with height plus the blocking of steering winds caused by large upwind cloud <br />systems. <br /> <br />Air-mass storm complexes often transition into large multi-celled systems, a line of <br />storms containing multiple cells showing characteristics similar more to those of a small squall <br />line. During the gradual development of these multi..,cellular lines, cloud base updrafts frequently <br />shift around although they are still found near some of the individual cell elements comprising it <br />making proper seeding treatment quite difficult at times. <br /> <br />Fig. 2 shows a "classic" storm with new growth on its upwind (left) side. Updrafts found <br />upwind of a storm's direction of movement are term~d "trailing" or "back side." Whereas, the <br />downwind, front side is its leading side. Most often, updrafts pertinent to the hail process are <br />found along its trailing edge below cloud base at some distance behind the precipitation. <br /> <br />8 <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />