Abu Dhabi Scientists Create Rainstorms In The Desert…Is This A Good Thing?
Abu Dhabi scientists create rainstorms in the desert using negatively charged ions released into the stratosphere of the region.
Desert dwellers wishing to transform their arid surroundings into a profitable, crop-sustaining oasis have reportedly gotten one step closer to making that dream a reality, as Abu Dhabi scientists now claim to have created more than 50 artificial rainstorms from clear skies.
According to Arabian Business, the storms were part of a secret, Swiss-backed project, commissioned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE and leader of Abu Dhabi. Called “Weathertec,” the climate project — estimated at $31 million — utilized ionizers resembling giant lampshades to generate fields of negatively charged particles, which create cloud formation, throughout the country’s Al Ain region, theTelegraph is reporting.
On the 52 days it rained in the region throughout July and August, forecasters did not predict rain once.
While fascinating, this is not the first time scientists have attempted to mess with Mother Nature. China has been tinkering with cloud seeding for years in an attempt to curb its very serious air pollution problem.
The idea that the Middle East, and other desert regions could actually be able to create rain has incredible possibilities for solving major problems stemming from drought. However the consequences of meddling with nature on this level are yet to be seen.
