It’s all over the news here that Russia has done “cloud seeding” over the skies of Hanoi to help prevent rain for the parade.
Thank you
Russia uses cloud seeding extensively, particularly to ensure clear, dry weather for major public holidays like Victory Day and Russia Day, and to suppress large forest fires by inducing rain. The process involves dispersing
silver iodide, liquid nitrogen, or dry ice particles into clouds from planes and rockets, causing water molecules to coalesce and fall as precipitation, thereby controlling weather on specific days or in needed regions.
How Cloud Seeding Works
- 1. Chemical dispersal:
Silver iodide, potassium iodide, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), or liquid nitrogen are released into clouds from aircraft.
- 2. Nuclei formation:
These chemicals act as artificial cloud condensation nuclei, providing surfaces for water droplets to freeze onto or for water vapor to condense around.
- 3. Precipitation:
The water droplets or ice crystals grow larger and heavier, leading to rain or snow falling to the ground.
Uses of Cloud Seeding in Russia
- Public Holidays:
Russia has a long history of using cloud seeding to prevent rain on significant national holidays, ensuring good weather for events and celebrations.
- Forest Fire Suppression:
Aircraft are also deployed to seed clouds and induce rain in areas experiencing large forest fires, aiding firefighting efforts.
- Historical Context:
The practice dates back to Soviet times, and the Russian government continues to invest in it for weather control.
Methods and Reagents
- Silver Iodide: A common reagent, it is fired into clouds to encourage droplet growth.
- Liquid Nitrogen/Dry Ice: Other reagents, such as liquid nitrogen and solid carbon dioxide, can also be used to supercool clouds and trigger precipitation.
- Aircraft and Rockets: Both aircraft and rockets are used to deploy these seeding agents into the atmosphere.
Effectiveness and Controversy
- Scientific Skepticism:
Despite its widespread use, some scientists remain skeptical of cloud seeding's effectiveness and predictability.
- Environmental Concerns:
While studies suggest low environmental impact from the small amounts of chemicals used, concerns exist, and there have been instances of accidents, such as cement falling from a seeding plane.
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