The formulation of a classification procedure for specific use on cumulus cloud weather modification experiments

The central theme of this study concerns the use of classification schemes on weather modification experiments designed to investigate the possibility of increasing rainfall from individual cumuli or cumulus cloud systems. The principal objectives of these experiments are the evaluation of treatment effects and the identification of situations where seeding with artificial ice-nuclei is likely to have positive results. The classification of experimental units into categories that are associated with significantly different physical processes aids the evaluation process and the formulation of seeding strategies in the desired manner. As part of this study a classification scheme, which stratifies convective events on the basis of the synoptic situations which give rise to and maintain the convection, is formulated. In chapter seven and eight this scheme and another scheme presently being employed on a cumulus cloud weather modification experiment are examined statistically. Investigations show that the formulated scheme attains the objectives of classification to a greater degree. Certain attributes of the second scheme, permit the development of a classification procedure whereby the most effective stratification of experimental units can be accomplished.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Environmental and Geographical Science

Year dc:date.issued

1980

Author dc:creator

• Erasmus, David Andre

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Keen, Cecil

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/16965

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/16965