What is Cloud seeding?

About Cloud seeding: 

• Cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain, is a weather modification technique that aims to enhance precipitation by introducing substances into clouds to stimulate rainfall.
• How is it done?
  • The science behind cloud seeding involves dispersing materials such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds to encourage the formation of rain or snow.
  • These particles serve as nuclei for water droplets to form around, potentially leading to increased precipitation.
  • The process can be carried out using aircraft, ground-based generators, or even rockets in some cases.
  • Cloud seeding is done to increase the radius of the cloud droplets so that they will grow bigger and because of gravity, they will come down as rainfall.
• In the context of air pollution, cloud seeding is seen as a potential method to "wash away" particulate matter and other pollutants from the air.
• The theory is that increased rainfall could help settle dust and other airborne particles, temporarily improving air quality.
• Challenges: Suitable atmospheric conditions are necessary for the technique to be effective, including the presence of clouds with sufficient moisture. 

Q1: What is a cloud?

A cloud is a mass of water drops or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. Clouds form when water condenses in the sky. The condensation lets us see the water vapor. There are many different types of clouds. Clouds are an important part of Earth's weather and climate.

News: What is cloud seeding? The science behind artificial rain that Delhi's air needs