Precipitation Verification via Upwind Downwind Cloud Data Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the effectiveness of artificial precipitation enhancement experiments lack accuracy, particularly in distinguishing between natural and induced cloud changes, due to external influences and climatic changes, making it difficult to scientifically prove the increase in precipitation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that compares observation data from upwind and downwind areas using cloud physics-based aerial observation equipment, such as the Aircraft Integrated Meteorological Measuring System, Multi-Element Water Content System, Cloud Combination Probe, and Precipitation Imaging Probe, to determine if the observed changes fall within a linear scope, thereby assessing the seeding effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional in-situ observation methods are used to verify precipitation increase, then the verification process is simple, but the accuracy is insufficient due to external influences and climatic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The observation area is segmented into upwind and downwind regions, with separate observation systems deployed in each zone. This segmentation allows for independent measurement of cloud properties before and after seeding, enabling more accurate verification by isolating the seeding effect from external climatic variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Aircraft-mounted observation systems serve as mobile intermediaries between the ground-based seeding operation and the verification process. These airborne platforms can position themselves strategically in upwind and downwind areas, collecting cloud property data that acts as intermediary evidence to prove the causal relationship between seeding and precipitation increase.
2Reliability
If only before-and-after comparison is performed, then the verification process is straightforward, but external cloud influx and climatic changes cannot be distinguished from seeding effects
Solution Approach 1:
The verification process is segmented into three distinct components: upwind observation (baseline measurement), seeding operation, and downwind observation (effect measurement). This temporal and spatial segmentation allows for more rigorous scientific verification by establishing a control reference point before the experiment and a measurement point after, while accounting for external variables.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system transitions from a single-point temporal comparison to a multi-dimensional approach by adding spatial distribution measurements. Aircraft observe cloud properties at multiple locations (upwind and downwind areas) and at different altitudes, creating a three-dimensional verification framework that can distinguish seeding effects from natural cloud variations.
3Measurement precision
If cloud physics-based aerial observation equipment is used, then minute physical changes can be detected, but the system complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft-based observation system is designed with multi-functional capabilities, integrating multiple cloud physics measurement instruments (cloud condensation nucleus counters, cloud droplet probes, precipitation imagers) into a single mobile platform. This universal system can perform various verification functions including upwind baseline observation, downwind effect measurement, and real-time data transmission, reducing the need for multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The observation system incorporates automated data collection, processing, and transmission capabilities. Instruments automatically measure cloud properties, the system self-calibrates between observations, and data are transmitted in real-time to ground stations for immediate analysis, reducing manual operational requirements and improving ease of use despite the system's sophistication.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and system of verifying an increase in precipitation. The precipitation increase verification method includes: obtaining a first piece of observation information from an upwind area after a seeding experiment; obtaining a second piece of observation information from a downwind area; comparing the first piece of observation information with the second piece of observation information, and thus determining whether or not the first piece of observation information and the second piece of observation information fall within a linear scope; and determining that an effect resulting from the seeding experiment can be proved when the first piece of observation information and the second piece of observation information fall within the linear scope.