How cloud seeding works

WHAT IT IS

Cloud seeding is the induction of rain by introducing chemicals into clouds.

Silver iodide or dry ice is dispersed into the clouds, and provide nuclei for moisture to condense around.

WHY IT WORKS

Water in the clouds is supercooled to ice when it bonds with the silver iodide, which has a similar crystalline structure to ice.

When too heavy to remain suspended, the ice crystals fall, and melt on the way to become rain.

DISPERSAL METHODS

The silver iodide or dry ice can be delivered by:

* Airplane flares

Flares mounted on airplane wings spray the chemicals across clouds

* Rocket

Rockets are launched into the clouds and release the chemicals

* Generator

Silver iodide is sprayed into a propane flame, which is then transported by the heat and wind


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