The UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science (UAEREP) has unveiled its pioneering use of core-shell NaCl-TiO2 (CNST) seeding materials in cloud seeding operations, making the UAE the only country globally employing this specific technology. The innovative material, primarily composed of sodium chloride (table salt) with a small addition of titanium dioxide, aims to boost precipitation in arid regions without harming the environment or public health.
Cloud seeding, a method of weather modification, enhances natural cloud processes to increase rainfall, especially in areas with low precipitation. Since the 1960s, scientists have explored various materials for cloud seeding, but the UAEREP’s use of CNST material represents a significant advancement due to its unique hygroscopic properties, which attract moisture more effectively.
“The advancements in nanotechnology have enabled us to design cloud-seeding materials that maximize water vapor condensation and enhance rainfall,” Prof. Linda Zou, a lead researcher in the project and a professor at Khalifa University, said in a Reuters report. Prof. Zou’s research demonstrated that under conditions of 100% humidity, these materials increased large water droplet concentrations by 300% compared to conventional materials, a critical factor for effective rainfall.
The CNST seeding material has been proven safe and environmentally friendly, as highlighted by multiple studies, including reviews from the World Meteorological Organization, which found no evidence of adverse environmental impacts. The UAE’s innovative approach aligns with global efforts to use sustainable methods for water security and climate change mitigation.