Artificial rain is a scientific technique used to increase rainfall by introducing special particles into clouds. Aircraft or ground-based generators release substances like silver iodide into the atmosphere, which act as condensation nuclei to help water droplets form and fall as precipitation.
Cloud seeding can be performed using two primary methods. The aircraft method involves planes flying directly into or near clouds to release seeding materials. The ground-based method uses generators on the surface that shoot particles high into the atmosphere, where they are carried up to the clouds by air currents.
Different materials are used for cloud seeding depending on the conditions. Silver iodide is the most common, working effectively at cold temperatures below freezing. Sodium chloride or salt is used for warm cloud seeding in tropical regions. Dry ice provides immediate results through rapid cooling but requires special handling due to its extremely low temperature.
Cloud seeding works through a scientific process called nucleation. First, seeding particles are introduced into the cloud where they act as condensation nuclei. Water vapor in the cloud then attaches to these particles, forming tiny droplets. As more water vapor condenses, the droplets grow larger and heavier until they become too heavy to remain suspended in the air, eventually falling as precipitation.
Artificial rain technology offers numerous benefits across multiple sectors. It provides crucial drought relief by increasing water supply in arid regions. Farmers use it to support crop growth during dry seasons. It helps prevent forest fires by maintaining moisture levels and reduces air pollution by washing particles from the atmosphere. Additionally, it supports hydroelectric power generation by filling reservoirs. While the technology shows promise with success rates of 10 to 30 percent, it continues to be refined and improved worldwide.