Santa Barbara Convective Band Seeding Test Program.
Abstract
Tests to determine the effectiveness of seeding convective portions of winter storm systems passing over Santa Barbara County were conducted from a 1065-meter mountain ridge using a pyrotechnic fusee during four winter seasons from 1967-68 through 1970-71 (Phase I). After an experimental period in 1970-71, full scale Phase II aerial operations were continued through the 1973-74 seasons. Aerial seeding using an AgI-NH4I-acetone solution was conducted just west of Santa Barbara County with the nucleant being dispensed by a burner developed by the Naval Weapons Center. A limited amount of seeding was also conducted from the mountain ridge site utilizing a modified version of the Naval Weapons Center acetone burner. Organized areas of convection (convective bands) were identified and tracked through the project area by means of telemetered raingages and radar. In both phases, the program was randomized with approximately one half of the convection bands being seeded. However, the randomization scheme in Phase II was revised so that all the convection bands which occurred in a given storm period (48 hours duration) were similarly treated (either all seeded or all not-seeded).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA018672
Entities
People
- John R. Thompson
- Keith J. Brown
- Robert D. Elliott