Consider the following statements related to cloud seeding- It uses hy...
Cloud seeding- is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud’s ability to produce rain or snow by artificially adding condensation nuclei to the atmosphere, providing a base for snowflakes or raindrops to form.
- After cloud seeding takes place, precipitation falls from the clouds back to the surface of the Earth.
Mechanism of cloud seeding-
- Clouds are made up of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that form when water vapor in the atmosphere cools and condenses around a particle of dust or salt. Without these particles, known as condensation nuclei, raindrops or snowflakes cannot form and precipitation will not occur.
How does condensation nuclei affect precipitation?
- Condensation nuclei provide the non-gaseous surface necessary for water vapor to condense into cloud droplets. As droplets join together they grow larger and eventually fall as precipitation.
Important points-
- The most common chemicals used for cloud seeding include toxicsilver iodide, potassium iodide and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide, producing the green house gas).
- These crystals are hygroscopic in nature, they attract water particles and form tiny ice crystals around the particles that then fall as rain.
Consider the following statements related to cloud seeding- It uses hy...
Cloud Seeding
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that aims to enhance precipitation by introducing substances into clouds. It involves dispersing hygroscopic substances, such as silver iodide, into the atmosphere to stimulate the formation of ice crystals or droplets, which can then grow and fall as precipitation. The effectiveness of cloud seeding depends on various factors, including weather conditions and the type of cloud being targeted.
Statement 1: It uses hygroscopic substances like silver iodide.
This statement is correct. Cloud seeding typically involves the use of hygroscopic substances like silver iodide. Silver iodide has a similar structure to ice crystals and can act as a nucleating agent, encouraging the formation of ice particles within the cloud. These ice particles can then grow by collecting supercooled water droplets, eventually becoming large enough to fall as precipitation.
Statement 2: It is most effective in dry weather conditions.
This statement is incorrect. Cloud seeding is generally more effective in certain weather conditions, but it is not limited to dry weather. It is often used in areas that experience water scarcity or drought conditions, but it can also be employed in other weather conditions to enhance precipitation. The success of cloud seeding depends on factors such as the availability of clouds, the temperature, and the presence of sufficient moisture.
Statement 3: It increases the size of condensation nuclei to increase precipitation.
This statement is correct. Cloud seeding aims to increase the size of condensation nuclei, which are tiny particles in the air that serve as a surface for water vapor to condense onto. By introducing hygroscopic substances like silver iodide into the clouds, cloud seeding provides additional nuclei for water vapor to condense onto, thereby increasing the chances of precipitation. The larger condensation nuclei can result in the formation of larger water droplets or ice crystals, which can then fall as rain or snow.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - Only statements 1 and 3 are correct.
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