Invigoration Due To Cloud Seeding: New Observations Confirm an Old Hypothesis

Abstract The potential for cloud seeding to induce dynamic changes that alter cloud structure beyond basic ice formation processes has remained theoretical. While previous research hypothesized the presence of dynamic responses in seeded clouds, this study presents the first direct observational evidence that seeding can generate buoyant forces strong enough to deepen and deform clouds. In situ aircraft measurements and W‐band radar analysis shows how the buoyant force increased cloud tops by hundreds of meters and induced secondary circulations that altered the cloud and precipitation structure. These dynamic changes triggered additional ice formation and precipitation not captured in current conceptual models. The results demonstrate that dynamic responses can be induced through glaciogenic seeding, representing foundational research that will significantly improve understanding of seeding mechanisms and precipitation formation in commonly seeded clouds.

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Publication Details

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Published
2026-03-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl120790
Primary Topic
Atmospheric aerosols and clouds
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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Invigoration Due To Cloud Seeding: New Observations Confirm an Old Hypothesis

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Invigoration Due To Cloud Seeding: New Observations Confirm an Old Hypothesis

Derek R. Blestrud, S. Chen, Coltin Grasmick, Zhixing Xie, Christopher Hohman, Bart Geerts, Lulin Xue, Jeffrey R. French, Robert M. Rauber, Roy Rassmussen, Sarah Tessendorf, Katja Friedrich
article en

Abstract

Abstract The potential for cloud seeding to induce dynamic changes that alter cloud structure beyond basic ice formation processes has remained theoretical. While previous research hypothesized the presence of dynamic responses in seeded clouds, this study presents the first direct observational evidence that seeding can generate buoyant forces strong enough to deepen and deform clouds. In situ aircraft measurements and W‐band radar analysis shows how the buoyant force increased cloud tops by hundreds of meters and induced secondary circulations that altered the cloud and precipitation structure. These dynamic changes triggered additional ice formation and precipitation not captured in current conceptual models. The results demonstrate that dynamic responses can be induced through glaciogenic seeding, representing foundational research that will significantly improve understanding of seeding mechanisms and precipitation formation in commonly seeded clouds.

Geophysical Research LettersVol. 53(6)
NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (US), University of Wyoming (US), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (US), University of Colorado Boulder (US), Research Applications (United States) (US), Idaho State Board of Education (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Atmospheric aerosols and clouds
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