Field experiments using low-frequency and high-power acoustic wave to interfere precipitation for regulating atmospheric water resources

Abstract:

Water resources are the critical foundation for human survival and development. Seeking the new source of available fresh water is the biggest issue that restricts the social and economic development of water-scarce areas. Artificial weather modification is one of the crucial means that may change this situation. High intensity sound field is beneficial to promote relative motions among water droplets in the cloud, so as to induce the agglomeration of water droplets and enhance precipitation. Therefore, we adopted a new kind of low-frequency and high-power acoustic wave generator equipment to test the effectiveness of rainfall enhancement. The experiments were carried out in a certain area of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from September to October 2019 and May to July 2020. Random tests (changing by odd and even day) and continuous operations were carried out and more than 50 tests data were collected in total. The weather station, rain gauge, X-band radar and other equipment were used for monitoring during each test. Preliminary results show that about half of the tests present certain effectiveness of rainfall enhancement, with an impact area of about 1 km². This research will continue to be carried out, aiming to provide a new mean of water resource management for water-scarce areas, or to become an advanced technology for artificial weather modification.