Cloud-seeding drones prepared for testing in the UAE after successful trials in Colorado
The National Centre of Meteorology may use drones to improve its cloud seeding programme.
Field tests took place in Colorado to assess the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles in the process.
In three weeks of tests, drones were used in seeding for the first time and researchers hoped the findings could “fundamentally change” the way rain enhancement operations are carried out.
The tests were led by Prof Eric Frew of the aerospace engineering sciences department at the University of Colorado and involved three drones.
Two carried instruments to take cloud measurements, while the third seeded the clouds.
After mission successes in the US, the drones will be sent for trials in the Emirates to let the NCM assess how they could be incorporated into the UAE’s seeding programme.
“Eric Frew’s research campaign marks an important technology demonstration that could fundamentally change the way we conduct rain enhancement operations,” said Abdulla Al Mandous, director general of the NCM.
“The deployment of such advanced technologies will allow our scientists to improve their understanding of cloud formation processes in the UAE and other arid and semi-arid regions and carry out more reliable and efficient rain enhancement operations,” Dr Al Mandous said.
Cloud seeding is a method used to induce more rain from a cloud. It involves shooting a salt flare into the cloud.
Salt naturally attracts water, the water particles then collide with others, get bigger and fall as rain.
The UAE’s seeding programme began in the 1990s and the authorities carry out hundreds of missions every year when conditions are right.
According to the NCM, seeding can boost rainfall from an individual cloud by as much as 35 per cent in a clean atmosphere and by up to 15 per cent when dust particles are in the air.
The lower figure is probably more representative of the UAE but the authorities said more studies were needed.
In a country with about 100 millimetres of rain a year, seeding could provide water for crops and is much cheaper than desalination.
The UAE has established the Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science to determine how effective seeding can be.
The programme has awarded millions of dollars of grants to scientists.
Prof Frew was among the winners in 2018 and he was awarded a $5 million grant.
Alya Al Mazroui, director of the programme, said automated technology could significantly increase the ability to conduct successful seeding operations as it gives more accuracy.
“Through harnessing new technology advances, the programme plays a pivotal role in improving the effectiveness of cloud seeding and achieving global water security,” Ms Al Mazroui said.