Cloud science research investigates cloud seeding
A world first cloud science research program has just begun in South East Queensland, which includes a detailed examination of the effectiveness of cloud seeding.
The Queensland Government has committed $7.6 million to the research, to be undertaken in the next four years, with the program led by a team chaired by Professor Roger Stone of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).
The research is leading edge because it utilises the world’s most advanced weather radar installed at Redbank Plains that enables far more detailed examination of clouds than has been possible in the past, Professor Stone says.
The airborne component of the cloud seeding research program will be undertaken by two aircraft.
It will largely concentrate on the catchment areas of the Wivenhoe and Somerset dams, two of South East Queensland’s most important water storages.
Australia was a world leader in cloud seeding 50 years ago but Professor Stone says that work was often undertaken haphazardly and, not surprisingly, results were erratic.
Scientific cloud seeding involves adding small particles such as salt or silver iodide to specific clouds to enhance their condensation processes or ice forming capabilities.
"This time, working in collaboration with leading Australian and American scientists and organisations, we’ll target more effectively and our work will be subject to a full scientific analysis - we’ll examine every aspect of the clouds we seed," Professor Stone said.
Professor Stone, one of Australia’s most eminent climatologists, is director of the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments at USQ and chair of the National Task Group for Precipitation Enhancement Research.
"The development of this important group (the National Task Group) has been driven by aspects of climate change and our enormous shortfall in water availability in many parts of Australia," he said.
"We need to move quickly in making sure we have some practical science in what was a somewhat controversial area."
Professor Stone said cloud seeding on its own would not solve South East Queensland’s water crisis.
"However, it would be part of an overall package of initiatives including recycling, more efficient water use, desalination and new storage facilities," he said.
Story: Don Kirkwood
Last reviewed 16 June 2008
