It seldom rains in the United Arab Emirates. Some areas of the UAE receive less than five inches of rain annually, and often little to none at all during the summer months when temperatures can climb above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions have led to water security concerns particularly in Dubai, a blossoming international destination, as well as in rural, farming communities.
In order to try to maximize rainfall, the United Arab Emirates is mulling a large and ambitious project: building an artificial mountain big enough to change weather patterns and increase rainfall. This project was first disclosed earlier this month in the Arabian Business Magazine.
According to the lead researcher, scientists are in the “detailed modelling study” phase, which will answer the burning question, ‘Is this project really feasible?’ In theory, this is how it would work. The construction of this large, artificial mountain – which could require up to one-quarter of the global concrete output in 2015 – would force air to rise, creating clouds that can be seeded.
Cloud seeding is a weather modification process designed to increase the amount of rainfall produced from clouds. Modern cloud seeding actually dates back to a 1940’s discovery at the General Electric labs in Schenectady, New York. The UAE spent $558,000 on 186 cloud seeding missions last year alone. Some worked, some did not. For instance in March, 2015, heavy winds and rain attributed to cloud seeding caused flooding and canceled flights.
While some think it’s an innovative idea, many others are skeptical that this fake mountain project will produce the desired results. Regardless, what this does illustrate is that countries will go to great lengths to try to stabilize their water security. They might even build a mountain.
**********
Web Links
Exclusive: UAE mulls ‘man-made mountain’ in bid to improve rainfall
United Arab Emirates Mulls Building Artificial Mountain To Change Weather, Bring Rain
Photo, posted December 9, 2013, courtesy of Maarten Danial via Flickr.
‘Fake Mountain’ from Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.