Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Rainmaking operations are more cost-effective than desalination, with extracting one cubic metre of rainwater costing only 25% of the expense of extracting seawater for desalination, according to a study by the National Center of Meteorology (NCM).
The study noted that rainmaking operations can increase rainfall by 10-15% when aerosols are present in the atmosphere, and up to 25% in cleaner atmospheres.
To ensure accuracy, the centre conducts over 150 random statistical experiments across various weather conditions, making this method the most widely used globally for measuring seeding success.
The UAE has positioned itself as a global leader in cloud seeding technologies, significantly advancing this technique to enhance its water resources and ensure their sustainability, said Ahmed Al Kamali, Head of Rainmaking Operations at the NCM.
Speaking to Aletihad, Al Kamali said: The NCM employs advanced aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air, equipped with specialised seeding materials, to release these substances in areas where favourable vertical air currents exist in the clouds, optimising the effectiveness of the rainmaking process.
"These materials are launched via special flares and packages during flight in locations where there are suitable vertical air currents at the base of the clouds, which enhances the effectiveness of the process," he added.
In addition to rainmaking, other solutions are used to combat water scarcity, including water recycling, water rationalisation, rainwater harvesting, modern irrigation techniques like drip and smart irrigation, and regional cooperation to strengthen water security across neighbouring countries, Al Kamali noted.
