UAE Rain Enhancement Program Teams Up with US Scientists for New Research
The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has wrapped up its roadshow in the United States. The roadshow aimed to explore new opportunities for innovative research collaboration in weather enhancement through rain enhancement technologies.
Key Visits and Collaborations
The roadshow included visits to important research centers in Michigan and New York, such as Michigan Technological University (MTU), NASA, IBM’s Thomas J Watson Research Centre, Columbia University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the City College of New York.
During the tour, the UAEREP team also participated in the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York, learning about global trends related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6 and SDG 13.
New Research Project
The roadshow officially launched a new research project led by Professor Will Cantrell from MTU, the recipient of the 5th UAEREP grant cycle. The project, titled “Laboratory and Modelling Studies of Cloud Susceptibility to Hygroscopic Seeding,” aims to identify clouds that can be effectively modified for enhanced precipitation.
Professor Cantrell’s team includes researchers from the University of Utah, Mesa Photonics Laboratory, and Weather Modification International. The project uses a unique cloud chamber at MTU to study cloud properties and determine the best methods for cloud seeding.
Future Plans
The new grant cycle, starting in January 2025, will focus on five main areas: enhanced seeding materials, rain enhancement systems, autonomous aerial systems, localized climate intervention, and advanced models, software, and data. The program will also build on the outputs of 14 previous research projects.
Statements from Leaders
Abdulla Al Mandous, Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), emphasized the UAE’s commitment to supporting groundbreaking research and international partnerships to address water scarcity and improve weather worldwide.
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Professor Cantrell and his team, highlighting the unique expertise and research infrastructure provided by the national center in rain enhancement research.
Doubts Revealed
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East known for its cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Rain Enhancement Program -: A Rain Enhancement Program is a scientific effort to increase the amount of rain that falls in a particular area, often using techniques like cloud seeding.
US Scientists -: US Scientists are researchers from the United States who study various fields of science to discover new knowledge and solve problems.
UAEREP -: UAEREP stands for the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, which is a project to study and improve ways to make more rain.
Roadshow -: A roadshow is a series of events or presentations held in different locations to share information and build partnerships.
Professor Will Cantrell -: Professor Will Cantrell is a scientist from Michigan Technological University who is leading a project on cloud seeding to enhance rain.
Michigan Technological University -: Michigan Technological University is a school in the United States where people study and do research in science and technology.
Cloud Seeding -: Cloud seeding is a method used to make clouds produce more rain by adding substances like silver iodide to them.
UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development -: The UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development is a meeting where countries discuss how to make the world a better place by solving problems like poverty and climate change.
Grant Cycle -: A grant cycle is a period during which organizations can apply for money to fund their research or projects.
