Abstract:
The study is based on the CMA-CPEFS model developed by the Weather Modification Center of the China Meteorological Administration. A numerical simulation was conducted on the cloud seeding experiment using aircraft during a low-through cloud system precipitation event in Hunan Province on August 26, 2020, to analyze the impact of seeding on cloud water resources and their macro-physical characteristics. The results indicate that after seeding, the echo intensity in the target area increased, leading to an overall rise in precipitation. Both the intensity and coverage area of precipitation expanded compared to conditions before seeding. A positive growth trend in precipitation emerged 30 minutes after seeding commenced, followed by a phased decrease in growth between 2.5 and 3.5 hours after seeding initiation. Subsequently, a stable positive growth lasting for 3 hours appeared after 3.5 hours. One hour after seeding began, the cloud band over the seeding region intensified in southern Hunan province. The cloud system moved from west to east and continued to strengthen for about 5 hours. Subsequently, the changes in the cloud band became less apparent. The silver iodide catalyst dispersed from west to east along with the weather system, concentrating vertically within an altitude range of 4 to 6 km. Silver iodide exhibited pronounced upward transport characteristics, with some particles diffusing up to altitudes of 9 km in regions of strong updrafts.After seeding, the nucleation effect of silver iodide increased the ice-phase particles (graupel and ice crystals) within the cloud layer and enhanced the depletion of cloud droplets. The catalytic process promoted the condensation of water vapor, shortening the renewal cycle of hydrometeors and ultimately leading to an increase in the total ground precipitation. The precipitation efficiency increased by approximately 10%. The experimental results indicate that the catalytic operation was scientifically designed and implemented, achieving the intended goal of enhancing rainfall.