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<br />rJ . PROGRAl'1 RATIONALE <br /> <br />A. INTRODUCTION <br /> <br />The goal of the National Weather Modification Program is to develop <br />weather modification science and technology in an environmentally sound and <br />socially acceptable'manner as a potential tool for exerting a beneficial <br />influence over adverse weather events and for augmenting water ,supplies in <br />areas where additional water is needed for energy, food, and fiber <br />production. Attainment of this goal requires a well-coordinated, <br />multidisplinary research program ranging from basic physical science <br />investigations to studies of social and economic impacts. Only a long-term <br />commitment to program objectives will result in a national weather <br />modification capability that is scientifically sound and socially beneficial. <br /> <br />B. RESEARCH THRUSTS <br /> <br />Experience over the last three decades clearly shows that the development <br />of weather modification requires research in environmental and social sciences <br />as well as in the physical sciences. Physical-science research addresses the <br />auestion, "Can we modify the weather?" Research in the environmental and <br />~ocial sciences addresses the question, "Should we modify it?" Environmental, <br />legal, economic, and social factors are integral parts of the technology <br />development and must be a~amined in parallel with the at~ospheric and <br />engineering components. <br /> <br />The report on weather modification by the Secretary of Commerce <br />identifies several key research thrusts as crucial elements of a National <br />Weather ~odification Program. They include: <br /> <br />o Basic research to provide the scientific foundation for all relevant <br />forms of enhancement of the atmospheric environment. <br /> <br />o A focused errort to prove and refine a~sting techniques, and to <br />develop n~N ones, for increasing precipitation through cloud <br />seeding. ' <br /> <br />o An effort to develop techniques for reducing peak winds in <br />hurricanes~ and possibly other damaging characteristics of <br />hurricanes. <br /> <br />o Basic studies aimed at developing an understanding or the formation <br />of hail and other "severe weather" phenomena, ,..nth a view to their <br />deliberate moderation. <br /> <br />o A coordinated facilities program to develop specialized <br />instrumentation and equipment that satisfy needs common to many <br />field projects and to manage the efficient utilization of core <br />f acili ties. <br /> <br />- 25 - <br />