Laser Rainmakers

[FrothyChimp]

Here's an interesting article about using IR lasers to create condensation in the atmosphere.

Laser Beams May Be Next Rainmakers | Cloud Seeding & Weather Control | Weather Modification Techniques & How to Make It Rain | LiveScience

 

[lasersbee]

Interesting...
I would assume that the moisture content in very arid areas
would still be quite low to produce rain this way...

Jerry

 

[532 with Envy]

Interesting read, thanks for sharing.

Perhaps they can start by making rain in a small chamber.....weather in a bottle

 

[Cyparagon]

"the scientists discovered that beams could trigger the growth of micron-sized water droplets even at a relatively low humidity of 70 percent"

70% is way too high for "The finding may give bone-dry regions of the world much-needed moisture."

With all the power (not to mention initial investment) needed to run lasers, why not dig a well or run a pipeline?

 

[Benm]

Sounds still interesting, if only to achieve the opposite effect: Make moisture rain out over the ocean before it hits the land and causes rain there. There are plenty of places that want to avoid rain at certain times, and having a laser installation would probably be much more convenient than having to fly over to drop chemicals all the time.

As for dry areas: 70% instead of 100 could be a big improvement. If you are in a desert and the RH is only 20% by daytime, this could increase to 80% at night solely due to a 20 degree (centrigrade) temperature drop. This could happen every single day without ever producing a drop of rain unless you interfere with the system.

Digging wells isnt practical everywhere, and pipelines would be problematic for landlocked countries as you need to get the water from somewhere. Rich dry countries with a coastline just proceed to build desalination plants, which are fairly cheap as long as you have a cheap source of energy.

 

[shintashi]

this makes me think someone should compile a FAQ on Frequencies and their uses. For example, some lasers are used for treating skin conditions, others for hair removal, others for blasting cancer, and others for cutting. Green is bright and good for scopes, and so on.