Pushing the edge of weather control

Discussion in 'General Science & Technology' started by wet1, Jul 22, 2001.

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  1. wet1

    wet1 Wanderer Registered Senior Member

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    Dyn-O-Mat makes a substance that absorbs water. When saturated it becomes a gel-like substance that is dissolved in salt water. To this effect a test was made with an eye on hurricane control. $40,000 worth of this substance was dropped from a plane. The effect was reported to be a large rising cloud that disapiated quickly, taking some of the moisture out. This dropped into the ocean where it dissolved. The idea is that some of the punch could be taken out of a hurricane by this method.

    While this sounds like a great idea to limit the devestation that a hurricane does when it hits, is this wise? Should we?

    Hurricanes are driven by heat engines simular in nature to a forest fire in that they generate their own weather after they get going. This is natures way of helping dissapate heat. Without allowing the hurricane to blow itself out we may create something worse. (Super hurricane anyone?) What do you think?
     
    wet1, Jul 22, 2001
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  3. kmguru

    kmguru Staff Member

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    It is a good idea as long as long term effects are studied. Let me explain why. By our method of living, we have altered the normal pattern of weather. In stead of having regular rains on a wide area with an even density, we now have super cells that pound rain in one area but dry the next.

    If we are changing the weather pattern such a way that nature can not keep up with it, we should add a lending hand to balance the environment. We act as catalyst and not have a direct effect which we could not afford anyway.

    Because our area is sandy soil, the vegetable plants need water constantly. I am thinking of sprinkling co-polymer of polyacrylamide on the base of those plants to retain moisture (should work better than peat moss). Dyn-o-gel is probably a similar compound.
     
    kmguru, Jul 22, 2001
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  5. Stryder

    Stryder Keeper of "good" ideas. Valued Senior Member

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    I did think they should do similar by administering such gel to the exhaust of aircraft, thus all previously airborn pollutants are forced to land (or water).
    This admittedly means you might have to clean up the ground, but it's far easier than cleaning it up when it's in the air and effecting the ozone.
     
    Stryder, Sep 17, 2001
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