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<br />agricultural regions--such as the High Plains and the Corn Belt of the <br />Midwest -can benefit substantially from increased summer rainfall. Since <br />these areas are distinctly different meteorologically and socioeconomically, a <br />seeding concept or technique applicable to one may not be productive in the <br />other. Consequently, each region may require its own field test and <br />experimentation as part of the National Weather Modification Program. <br /> <br />Like precipitation enhancement, the ability to ameliorate the destructive <br />forces of hurricanes promises substantial economic benefits. Research in this <br />area will be conducted as part of the national program and will include direct <br />and remote measurements of stonn conditions, investigations of storm processes <br />and interactions, model simulations, and seeding experimentation. <br /> <br />A final essential element of the national program, carried out <br />concurrently with the research and development elements, is the transfer of <br />developed technologies to the users. While the research community labors to <br />place weather modification on a secure scientific foundation, some people with <br />major weather interests at stake will continue to invest in operational <br />projects. The risks and costs involved in applying the technology as it now <br />exists are perceived by these people as being small compared with the benefits <br />to be gained. Consequently, many weather modification techniques will be <br />applied as soon as users have an acceptable level of confidence in them. <br />Research and development should continue to improve and expand these <br />techniques. Effective transfer of technology requires that the users <br />understand not only how to apply the techniques but also the technical and <br />societal conditions for their use. Proper interaction between researchers and <br />users will help to develop weather modification expertise within state and <br />local groups and will aid in identifying important topics for future research <br />and development. The research described in this plan should strengthen the <br />basis for operational efforts as it reduces risk and uncertainty. <br /> <br />- 29 - <br />