Explainer on artificial cloud-modification technique

Here is an explainer on the technique that artificially modifies a cloud so that it produces more rainfall as Delhi sawits first cloud-seeding trial on Tuesday, in an attempt to address air pollution.

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Particles like silver iodide or chemical solutions are added toa cloud — typically making use of an aircraft — which act as “seeds” and around which water vapour condenses, explains a 2023 report by researchers from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.

In cold clouds, where the temperature is under zero degree Celsius, particles of silver iodide are added to a cloud, which accumulate water and ice. Being heavy, the fused particles fall, melting along the way as temperatures turn warm closer to the ground, says the report aimed at addressing commonly-thought questions of the public, administrators and policymakers.