Dubai: The Strategic Directions Committee (SDC) of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has conducted a midterm site visit to Michigan Technological University to assess the progress of its Cycle 5 awardee project titled 'Laboratory and Modeling Studies of Cloud Susceptibility to Hygroscopic Seeding.' Led by Professor Will Cantrell, Associate Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School at Michigan Tech, the project aims to identify the specific cloud characteristics and conditions under which hygroscopic seeding or electrical modification can induce changes in cloud structure that lead to enhanced precipitation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the SDC is responsible for overseeing the technical, financial, and research monitoring of UAEREP awarded projects to ensure that each initiative remains on track for successful completion within the programme's three-year timeframe. National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) provides awardees with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced weather monitoring systems, cloud seeding aircraft, and high-performance computing infrastructure enabling them to conduct research under real-world conditions.
In addition to infrastructure, NCM offers specialised technical expertise and comprehensive logistical support, working closely with research teams to ensure efficient project execution, accurate data collection, and successful field test campaigns.
Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, Director General of the NCM, and the President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) commented on the visit, noting UAEREP's ongoing commitment to ensuring that every funded project delivers measurable scientific and operational impact. He emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in strengthening the UAE's contribution to global climate adaptation and water sustainability.
Alya Al Mazroui, Director of UAEREP, highlighted the project's alignment with UAEREP's goals, praising the innovative methodology and the use of the Pi Chamber to simulate cloud conditions. She expressed anticipation for the project's contributions to effective rain enhancement solutions.
During the visit, Professor Cantrell and his research team presented updates on experimental progress, including the completion of the first intensive cloud chamber experiments at the MTU Pi Chamber. These experiments tested multiple seeding materials, including the NaCl-TiO2 core-shell particles (CSNT), which demonstrated efficiency in transforming cloud droplets into larger particles using less mass than conventional uncoated salt particles.
The team also introduced a new Cloud Droplet Measurement System (CDMS-2), developed with Mesa Photonics, enhancing the precision of droplet measurements. The project has fostered industry-academia collaboration, involving Michigan Tech, the University of Utah, Weather Modification International, and Mesa Photonics. A notable achievement from this collaboration is the release of a cloud chamber 'Digital Twin' on GitHub, connecting laboratory findings with real-world scenarios.
As part of its broader commitment to capacity-building, the project will also create internship opportunities for students from the UAE, providing practical experience at Michigan Tech and active participation in ongoing research in atmospheric sciences.