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<br />Appendix A <br /> <br />of seeding materials under different weather conditions; (4) Use RAMS to develop <br />forecasts for seeded and nonseeded days; (5) Evaluate model predictions of <br />precipitation. <br />. North Dakota - (1) Radar analysis of first echo detection; (2) Analysis of long-term <br />cooperative observer network rainfall data; (3) Explore climatic rain gauge data for <br />evidence of North Dakota Cloud Modification Project seeding effects on rainfall in <br />western North Dakota; (4) Investigate CCN characteristics in western North Dakota; <br />(5) Three-dimensional modeling of North Dakota clouds using a new microphysical <br />parameterization scheme, with explicit treatment of atmospheric aerosols and <br />hygroscopic seeding effects <br />. Texas/Oklahoma/New Mexico - (1) Statistical analysis of historical precipitation events in <br />the Oklahoma Mesonet; (2) Profile CCN by instrumented aircraft; (3) Study seeding <br />influences on cloud evolution with radar data; (4) Conduct airborne experimental <br />seeding with hygroscopic materials (milled salts) and Agl; (5) Track seeding plumes <br />with a tracer gas. <br /> <br />WDMP States 2004 <br /> <br /> <br />w <br /> <br />" <br />",:' , ~ <br />\.f <br /> <br />W - Wann Season/Convective <br />C - Cool Season/Orographic <br /> <br />Figure 1. Stales conducting WDMP research, with indication of season and cloud type seeded. A single <br />project sponsored activities in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. <br /> <br />3. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH <br /> <br />Much of the Western U.S. has been experiencing a multi-year drought, creating water <br />shortages that foment conflict between competing water users. This drought was particularly <br />severe in 2002, when rainfall in the Colorado River basin was the lowest in recorded history. The <br />drought has had far-reaching effects, including some of the worst forest fire seasons ever <br />recorded. In response. bills were introduced in Congress to establish a National Drought <br />Preparedness Act of 2003 and a National Drought Council within the Department of Agriculture <br />(Western Governors Association 2004). The U.S. Department of the Interior recently started a <br />"Water 2025" initiative (001. 2003). This initiative is intended to focus attention on increasing <br />pressures on already-stressed water supplies by the Wesfs explosive population growth, <br />droughts. agriculture, recreation, and environmental concerns. <br />WDMP research will continue in 2005 to conclusion. No new funding has been received, <br />however. The WDMP is the first federally-funded weather modification research field program In <br /> <br />-3- <br />