After a severe drought hit the Xinjiang Autonomous Region in China, the country has begun testing revolutionary technology that uses drones for cloud seeding to induce rainfall wherever needed.
According to Chinese media reports, the TB-A drones, typically used in military operations, have been equipped with silver iodide sticks for cloud seeding purposes, which stimulate cloud condensation.
The use of drones offers numerous advantages over traditional methods, including greater precision, flexibility, and lower operational costs. The TB-A drone, equipped with three engines, can carry up to 3,250 kg, has an endurance of 40 hours, and a range of 8,000 km, making it ideal for long-duration operations in remote areas.
More:
- Is China on the Brink of an Era of Maximum Nuclear Energy Development? – Where are New Reactors Emerging?
- Local Resistance Against Lithium Mines – A Global Phenomenon
- Latin America and the Caribbean Launch First Regional Eco-Labeling Programme
The testing in the Xinjiang region will last 45 days, with the aim of increasing precipitation in this drought-stricken area. A successful outcome could lay the groundwork for broader application of this technology in other arid regions, both in China and globally. As climate change intensifies, innovative approaches like this one could become crucial tools in combating drought and managing water resources.
However, experts are concerned that the widespread use of this technology could lead to various consequences, such as increased pollution and the risk of excessive rainfall. Although China is at the forefront of cloud seeding technology, questions remain about the effectiveness and long-term impacts of this technique on the environment.
The Practice of Cloud Seeding in China
Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to increase precipitation. This process involves dispersing substances such as silver iodide into the atmosphere, which encourages the condensation of water vapor into clouds, thereby increasing the likelihood of rain or snow. China is one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to the application of this technology, with the goals of managing water resources, combating droughts, and reducing air pollution.
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China used cloud seeding to ensure ideal weather conditions for the opening ceremony and the duration of the games. Approximately 1,100 rockets were launched from the ground to disperse silver iodide into the clouds. The goal was to induce rainfall before the clouds reached Beijing, thereby reducing the chances of rain during the opening ceremony.
