GB/T 42989-2023
weather modification terminology (English Version)
- Standard No.
- GB/T 42989-2023
- Language
- Chinese, Available in English version
- Release Date
- 2023
- Published By
- General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People‘s Republic of China
- Latest
- GB/T 42989-2023
- Scope
- This document defines the basic terms, operation equipment, operation technology and safety assurance terms and definitions of artificial weather modification. This document is applicable to artificial weather modification activities.
- Introduction
GB/T 42989—2023 In-depth interpretation of weather modification terminology standards
1. Background and significance of standard formulation
Weather modification activities are an important field in which humans intervene in natural phenomena through technical means, with the aim of achieving goals such as increasing rainfall, preventing hail, and eliminating fog. However, the terminology and definitions in this field have long lacked unified standards, resulting in ambiguity and confusion in scientific research, operations, and technical applications.
The formulation of GB/T 42989—2023 fills this gap and provides a standardized language system for weather modification activities. The standard was proposed by the China Meteorological Administration and is under the jurisdiction of the National Technical Committee for Weather Modification Standardization, and is highly authoritative and applicable.
2. Comparative Analysis of Standard Frameworks
Chapter Number Content Module Core Terms Definition Points 1 Scope Weather Modification Activities Intervene in the local atmosphere through technical means to achieve goals such as increasing rainfall and preventing hail. 3 Basic Terms Cloud Droplet, Raindrop, Ice Nucleus Cloud Droplet (cloud droplet): A water drop with a diameter less than $100\mu\mathrm{m}$ suspended in the air.
Raindrops: Water drops with a diameter greater than or equal to $100\mu\mathrm{m}$ that fall from clouds to the ground.
Ice nuclei: Aerosol particles that promote the freezing of water droplets and the condensation of water vapor to form ice crystals.4 Operation equipment Anti-aircraft guns, rocket launchers, and airborne seeding devices Anti-aircraft guns: Artillery used to carry out artificial weather modification operations on aerial target clouds.
Rocket launchers: Rocket launchers used to carry out artificial weather modification operations on aerial target clouds.
Airborne cloud-seeding device: a device for spreading catalysts on an operating aircraft.3. In-depth analysis of standard content
3.1 Scientific definition of basic terms
The core of artificial weather modification lies in the intervention of cloud physics processes. For example, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) are key particles on the surface of water vapor condensing and growing into cloud droplets, and their quantity and quality directly affect the microphysical structure of clouds.
3.2 Operational Technology and Equipment Innovation
Cold-cloud seeding promotes the formation of ice crystals in cold clouds by seeding ice-forming agents into them. This technology is particularly effective in high-altitude areas, such as rain-making operations in southwest China.
4. Implementation Recommendations and Future Prospects
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of weather modification activities, the following measures are recommended:
- Strengthen the annual inspection and maintenance of operating equipment to ensure its safety and reliability.
- Optimize the catalyst formulation to improve the nucleation rate and effect evaluation method of ice-forming agents.
- Promote the application of numerical simulation technology to improve the prediction accuracy of operating conditions.
- Strengthen international cooperation and share technical experience and best practices in weather modification.
GB/T 42989-2023 history
- 2023 GB/T 42989-2023 weather modification terminology