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Advances in cloud physics and weather modification in China

  • Published: 17 December 2014
  • Volume 32, pages 230–249, (2015)
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Advances in Atmospheric Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript
Advances in cloud physics and weather modification in China
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  • Xueliang Guo1,
  • Danhong Fu2,
  • Xingyu Li2,
  • Zhaoxia Hu2,
  • Henchi Lei2,
  • Hui Xiao2 &
  • …
  • Yanchao Hong2 
  • 959 Accesses

  • 9 Altmetric

  • Explore all metrics

Abstract

The capabilities of cloud-resolving numerical models, observational instruments and cloud seeding have improved greatly over recent years in China. The subject of this review focuses on the main progresses made in China in the areas of cloud modeling, field observations, aerosol-cloud interactions, the effects of urbanization on cloud and precipitation, and weather modification.

Well-equipped aircraft and ground-based advanced Doppler and polarized radars have been rapidly applied in cloud-seeding operations. The combined use of modern techniques such as the Global Positioning System, remote sensing, and Geographical Information Systems has greatly decreased the blindness and uncertainties in weather-modification activities. Weather-modification models based on state-of-the-art cloud-resolving models are operationally run at the National Weather Modification Centre in China for guiding weather-modification programs.

Despite important progress having been made, many critical issues or challenges remain to be solved, or require stronger scientific evidence and support, such as the chain of physical events involved in the effects induced by cloud seeding. Current important progresses in measurements and seeding techniques provide the opportunity and possibility to reduce these deficiencies. Long-term scientific projects aimed at reducing these key uncertainties are extremely urgent and important for weather-modification activities in China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China

    Xueliang Guo

  2. Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China

    Danhong Fu, Xingyu Li, Zhaoxia Hu, Henchi Lei, Hui Xiao & Yanchao Hong

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Guo, X., Fu, D., Li, X. et al. Advances in cloud physics and weather modification in China. Adv. Atmos. Sci. 32, 230–249 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-014-0006-9

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  • Received: 15 May 2014

  • Revised: 01 August 2014

  • Accepted: 06 September 2014

  • Published: 17 December 2014

  • Issue Date: February 2015

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-014-0006-9

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