Precipitation Physics

Links to projects
Feasibility Study for the Augmentation of Rain in the United Arab Emirates
Program for the Augmentation of Rain in Coahuila (PARC)

One of the main goals in precipitation enhancement research is to firmly establish the physical chain of events in precipitation development so that perturbations, both intentional and inadvertent, can be understood and quantified. Thus, this research addresses common fundamental questions on cloud and precipitation processes that impede progress in other important research areas (including quantitative precipitation forecasting, convective rainfall, and aerosol-cloud interactions, etc.).

RAP continues to be a leader in the world community, being one of only a handful of organizations actively pursuing research that strengthens the scientific basis of rainfall enhancement efforts. Numerous countries have looked to RAP scientists for guidance and advice on budding weather modification programs.

Over the past few years, RAP research has focussed on providing a feasibility plan for cloud seeding in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The first phase was completed in early 2003 and a second phase involving a randomized seeding experiment was implemented in the summer of 2003. These efforts are reported below and involve collaboration with colleagues at US universities and in South Africa. Training of local scientists and engineers in scientific research and field operations was another important facet of this program.

Selected Presentations
Overview of Weather Modification Programs around the World - presented by Roelof T. Bruintjes