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The Evolution of an AgI Cloud‐Seeding Track in Central China as Seen by a Combination of Radar, Satellite, and Disdrometer Observations
Author(s) -
Wang Jin,
Yue Zhiguo,
Rosenfeld Daniel,
Zhang Lei,
Zhu Yannian,
Dai Jin,
Yu Xing,
Li Jinhui
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: atmospheres
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-8996
pISSN - 2169-897X
DOI - 10.1029/2020jd033914
Subject(s) - seeding , disdrometer , cloud seeding , precipitation , radar , meteorology , satellite , environmental science , atmospheric sciences , remote sensing , geology , computer science , geography , physics , astronomy , thermodynamics , telecommunications , rain gauge
Operational cloud seeding has been implemented to alleviate local precipitation shortages in China for over half a century. Here, we present quantitative evidence for the effect of AgI seeding on supercooled layer clouds with a top cloud temperature of −15°C in China, as documented for the first time by a combination of radar, satellite, and disdrometer observations. A radar signature appeared 18 min after seeding, shortly followed by a visible glaciated seeding track. The seeding signature expanded horizontally at a rate of ∼1.4 and ∼0.3 m s −1 before and after 04:25 UTC. The radar signature descended to the surface 40 min after seeding. A disdrometer captured the precipitation of the first seeded raindrops that reached maximum diameter of 2.75 mm compared to the maximum diameter of 1 mm of the light background rain. The enhanced surface rainfall was observed within the subsequent 100 min. A conceptual model for the formation and expansion of the seeding track is presented. Although the precipitation was light, it is a promising step toward the goal of quantifying the impact of cloud seeding in China.