In the midst of scorching temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces a critical challenge with its water resources, further strained by heavy reliance on groundwater. This challenge recently manifested in Dubai as the city grappled with unexpected torrential rain, leading to widespread flooding.
Dubai, renowned for its arid climate and extreme temperatures, encountered a significant weather anomaly on Tuesday, with heavy rainfall disrupting normal city activities and raising concerns about the growing impact of climate change on weather extremes in the region.
The UAE’s average annual rainfall is less than 200 millimeters, exacerbating water scarcity issues exacerbated by soaring summer temperatures. To address this pressing issue, the UAE has pioneered innovative solutions, notably through cloud seeding, a technique aimed at artificially inducing rain.
Understanding Cloud Seeding: Cloud seeding involves introducing “seeding agents” into clouds to stimulate condensation and promote rainfall. Weather forecasters at the UAE’s National Center of Meteorology (NCM) monitor atmospheric conditions to identify suitable clouds for seeding, enhancing precipitation.
The UAE initiated cloud seeding trials in 1982 and has since strengthened its artificial rain program through collaborations with scientific institutions like the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the USA and Witwatersrand University in South Africa.
The Process of Cloud Seeding: The UAE’s Rain Enhancement Program (UAEREP), managed by the NCM, focuses on analyzing atmospheric characteristics to identify effective seeding agents. Specialized aircraft equipped with hygroscopic flares containing natural salt material components are deployed to release seeding agents into target clouds.
These salt particles act as nuclei for water droplets, facilitating cloud growth and precipitation. The NCM operates advanced weather monitoring systems and aircraft for precise cloud seeding operations.
Environmental Considerations: While cloud seeding offers potential benefits, concerns persist regarding its environmental impact and the safety of seeding agents. To address these concerns, the UAE employs natural salts as seeding agents, avoiding harmful chemicals like silver iodide.
The NCM has developed its own seeding agent, a nano material comprising fine salt coated with titanium oxide, currently undergoing testing for effectiveness in enhancing precipitation.
Challenges and Future Directions: Amidst weather chaos and environmental considerations, the UAE continues to navigate challenges in water resource management and sustainable weather modification. The use of innovative technologies like cloud seeding underscores the country’s commitment to addressing water scarcity and enhancing precipitation in arid regions.
Sources By Agencies
