Concept

• Cloud seeding represents the most prevalent form of weather modification technology. In this technique, water-absorbent compounds cause clouds to form, leading to rain. The same material can divert moisture from thunderstorms or hurricanes.
  
  

Materials

• Ice crystals introduced into clouds can encourage rainfall, leading scientists to seek synthetic alternatives. Early experiments with silver iodide proved inconclusive, but a polymer called Dyn-O-Gel successfully broke up a thunderstorm in 2001.
  
  

Military Uses

• Precisely controlled weather modification technologies could potentially turn the tide in a war, making it an item of interest to military forces. Strategic use of cloud seeding, for instance, could keep enemy planes grounded.
  
  

Future Possibilities

• Future use of new weather modification technologies could weaken hurricanes and redistribute warmth from the sun. Proposals have included an oil-based coating that prevents hurricanes from sucking up evaporated water from the ocean, while satellites could someday use reflective panels to reroute sunlight onto various parts of the Earth's surface.