WMOD00319 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Evaluations of precipitation data, streamflow data, crop insurance data and crop yield data are useful if done properly. These evaluations require long term climatological elationships to be established between seeded and unseeded areas, and a long period of operations for comparison purposes, but do not require that only half of the suitable clouds be treated. Recently developed methods include snow trace-chemistry analysis, objective radar- based analysis, evaluation of satellite data and even numerical modeling to help discern the effects of cloud seeding. 13. What are the typical benefits of cloud seeding? Numerous evaluations have indicated that cloud seeding, when properly applied, can produce precipitation increases up to 10% or greater (AMS, 1998). Studies of hail suppression seeding indicate hail damage reductions up to 45% (Smith et aI., 1997). Agricultural wheat production in seeded areas has increased by 5.9% in North Dakota (Smith et aI., 1992). 14. What are the economic benefits of cloud seeding? Evaluations indicate runoff from additional snowpack in the range from $1 to $15 per acre foot (Kansas Water Office, 2001). Benefit to cost ratios on summer season agricultural economic production approach 40 to 1 (Sell and Leistritz, 1998). 15. Who else is doing weather modification? The latest data from the World Meteorological Organization compiled in 2000 listed 74 projects ongoing in 23 countries worldwide (WMO, 2000). In 2001 the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) documented 66 projects conducted in the western U.S. Project objectives included fog dispersal, snowpack and rainfall enhancement, and hail suppression. 16. Who performs cloud seeding operations? On most U.S. programs, a company specializing in cloud seeding is hired to conduct seeding operations. Other programs are conducted by universities, private companies, or even local weather modification or water management entities. 17. What kind of training is requiredfor weather modification personnel? Prior experience in weather modification operations is a tremendous advantage to cloud seeding programs. Private contractors typically employ experienced personnel. Pilots-in-command must meet certification and flight time requirements, while meteorologists must typically possess a Bachelor's degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science. Many programs conduct pre-project training classes prior to project startup covering all pertinent aspects of the program. A unique intern training program is sponsored by the North Dakota Atmospheric Resource Board. An intern pilot program, in cooperation with the University of North Dakota's aviation program, trains pilots in summer convective cloud seeding each