Abstract
An experimental research program is described which investigates the possibility of reducing hailfall in an area of 1000 km2 using the Moldavian rocket seeding method. It involves a design in which experiments are randomized (50∶50) by day over a fixed experimental area. The evaluation is based on data collected during the experimental unit (12–2100 hours). The test variable is hail kinetic energy measured by hailpads and by a hailpad-adjusted S-band radar.
A description of the experimental area, the instrumentation and the seeding method adapted from the Soviet Union as well as calculations of the nuclei plume behaviour after seeding with large Oblako rockets are presented. The statistical design is given as well as an extensivea priori description of the confirmatory evaluation procedure which will be used to prove an eventual seeding effect. It is recognized that good predictors are essential to arrive at a statistically significant results in 5 years. From synoptic and radar data obtained during the preliminary phase of the experiment a predictor function is derived. A concomitant variable (cloud base temperature) is proposed taking into account a possibly variable reaction of different storm types to the seeding. The development of the statistical test to be used is also described. Section 7 indicates some possibilities for further exploratory analyses with emphasis on hailpad measurements.
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Federer, B., Waldvogel, A., Schmid, W. et al. Plan for the swiss randomized hail suppression experiment. Design of Grossversuch IV. PAGEOPH 117, 548–571 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00876634
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00876634