Structure:

Introduction: (up to 30 words) Explain the concept/technology of Cloud seeding

Body: (up to 100 words) Explain how Karnataka has been dabbling with Cloud Seeding to combat drought and its success rate. Comment on the efficiency and effects of the process

Conclusion: (up to 30 words) Mention advantages and disadvantages

Supporting Points:

Cloud Seeding:

Cloud seeding is a type of weather modification that aims to change the amount or type of precipitation that falls from clouds by dispersing substances into the air that serve as cloud condensation or ice nuclei, which alter the microphysical processes within the cloud.

The usual intent is to increase precipitation (rain or snow), but hail and fog suppression are also widely practised in airports where harsh weather conditions are experienced.

Cloud seeding also occurs due to ice nucleators in nature, most of which are bacterial in origin.

The most common chemicals used for cloud seeding include silver iodide, potassium iodide and dry ice (solid carbon dioxide). Liquid propane, which expands into a gas, has also been used. This can produce ice crystals at higher temperatures than silver iodide. After promising research, the use of hygroscopic materials, such as table salt, is becoming more popular.

In Karnataka:

As many taluks reel under drought, the State government of Karnataka is hoping to influence the upcoming monsoon and capture as much water as possible from the rain clouds.

Cloud seeding uses planes to spray clouds with chemicals to condense smaller particles into larger rain droplets.

The State is aiming to replicate the ₹35-crore ‘Varshadhare’ project two years ago that was called a success by an independent evaluation committee. The project was seen as successful as the data suggested that rainfall was enhanced by 27.9% and there was an extra inow of 2.5 tmcft into Linganamakki reservoir. This was a huge success because due to procedural delays and inconsistent monsoon season, the two planes could only for 37 days. The results were able to address the scepticism about cloud seeding.

Advantages:

• The efforts at cloud seeding can help to produce more precipitation.
• Cloud seeding can make the land more suitable for living.
• This work helps to regulate weather patterns in specific locations.
• Economic improvements occur because of cloud seeding.
• We can use cloud seeding to reduce the impact of drought.

Disadvantages:

• Specific atmospheric conditions must exist for cloud seeding to work.
• The effectiveness of cloud seeding is still under review.
• Cloud seeding is an expensive venture.
• This work could alter weather patterns in other areas.
• The impact of long-term exposure to cloud seeding is unknown.