WEATHER MODIFICATION

By Georgios Vasilopoulos (RHUL)

Weather modification

Definition: Weather modification is the effort of humans to manipulate the weather in such a way that it becomes more efficient and productive for the local economy.

Historical perspective

Ancient concept Begun with rituals, invocations and dances Modern day approach involves chemicals and lasers

Primary aims
1.

2.

Enhancing precipitation Storm prevention

Enhancing precipitation - cloud formation

Cloud seeding Use of: Silver iodide (AgI) Hygroscopic nuclei

Enhancing precipitation

Enhancing precipitation
Cloud seeding using commercial airlines

Storm prevention

Hail Stones Lighting Storms Tornadoes Hurricanes

Storm prevention

Lighting Storms Tornadoes Hurricanes

Example of laser technique

Large scale weather modification

How can we use the large deserts such like Sahara? Is global warming a type of human caused climate modification?

Conclusions and general information

Not only we can predict the weather, but we can modify it as well. The aim is still to protect local economies. From 1977 the U.S. goverment has classified weather modification as a potential warfare techinque. A question on the ethics of these techniques and applications is still under debate.