Facts About Cloud Seeding

Facts

• While the main purpose of cloud seeding is to increase precipitation through rain water, it can also allow for other weather manipulations. Fog dispersal for increasing visibility and hail suppression to prevent damaging storms are also cloud seeding applications.

Types

• The application of silver iodide, dry ice or compressed liquid propane is common for creating ice in upper clouds. Water-attracting agents include the use of salt, urea or ammonium nitrate. Silver iodide and salt are typically the most common applications.

Process

• Seeding clouds involves using ground or airborne applicators. The application process uses flare-like objects to shoot the materials into targeted cloud areas, with the intention of creating precipitation over a specific geographic region.