{pdf} Design Of Physical Cloud Seeding Experiments For The Arizona Atmospheric Modification Research Program Arlin B. Super, Jon G. Medina, Jack T. McPartland

Cloud seeding experiments have been designed by the Bureau of Reclamation for winter orographic cloud systems over the Mogollon Rim of Arizona. The experiments are intended to test whether key physical processes proceed as hypothesized during both ground-based and aircraft seeding with silveriodide. The experiments are also intended to document each significant link in the chain of physical events following release of seeding material up to, and including, snowfall at the ground at a small research area about 60 km south-southeast of Flagstaff. The physical experimentation should lead to a substantially improved understanding of winter seeding potential in clouds over Arizona’shigherterrain. Such understanding and documentation are a logical prelude to any future experimentation intended to determine seeding impacts over a large area during several winters. Several analysis approaches are suggested to evaluate the physical experiments which range from detailed case study examination t o exploratory statistical analysis of experiments pooled into similar classes. Experimental coordination and organization are addressed, and budgets are presented for a 5-year program estimated to have a total cost of $9.5 million.