Background of Oman Trials
- Trials were carried out in the Hajar Mountains from 2013-2018; one of the most water-stressed / rainfall-stressed areas in the world
- ~20 Automatic Weather Stations were set up to monitor atmospheric conditions and collected daily measurements
- Array of ~200 rain gauges on a 10km grid to collect daily data
- Radiosonde data measured speed and direction of wind to help locate where systems had rainfall enhancement effect
- Trials utilized 12 devices over 6 years – with 3 generations of systems designed for improved ion generation and durability
- Randomized operating schedule was defined each year and system were switched on / off on designated operating days
- Total of 122,259 gauge-day and 740 days of data collected
- Daily footprint of each system is 30km wide and 70km long with analysis applied to positive gauge day rainfall in footprint
- Modelling used to estimate rainfall enhancements in footprints attributable to systems. Tests were not designed to optimize enhancement, but for statistical measurement
Rainwater Tech Expert
Scott Morris
Sr. Technical Advisor
Historical Trial Results and Key Factors
- Analysis of the data collected in the trial shows that ionization led to a statistically significant enhancement in positive rainfall in gauges located up to 70 km downwind of the ionizers.
- A headline analysis specified prior to commencement of the trial resulted in an estimate of 16.23% enhancement relative to rainfall that would have fallen without any ionization, while a more sophisticated after the event analysis increased this estimate to 17.64% enhancement, but for statistical measurement.
