Repurposing weather modification for cloud research showcased by ice crystal growth.

ABSTRACT: The representation of cloud processes in models is one of the largest sources of uncertainty in weather forecast and climate projections. While laboratory settings offer controlled conditions for studying cloud processes, they cannot reproduce the full range of conditions and interactions present in natural cloud systems. To bridge this gap, here we leverage weather modification, specifically glaciogenic cloud seeding, to investigate ice growth rates within natural clouds. Seeding experiments were conducted in supercooled stratus clouds (at - 8 to - 5 ∘ C) using an uncrewed aerial vehicle, and the created ice crystals were measured 4-10 min downwind by in situ and ground-based remote sensing instrumentation. We observed substantial variability in ice crystal growth rates within natural cl

SUBMITTER: Ramelli F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11423147 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature