Study of the dispersion of AGI emitted from ground-based generators using the WRF-Chem model

Abstract

In studies of cloud seeding by ground-based generators, a dispersion analysis of the silver iodide (AgI) glaciogenic aerosol is a necessary tool to estimate if it reaches seeding heights. A study of the dispersion of AgI emitted by a network of generators with hypothetical locations in the eastern region of Cuba was developed using the WRF-Chem model. Two spatial distributions with different heights and distances between generators were analyzed. Two experiments were undertaken with emission rates of 10 and 30 g h^–1, based on a sample of six days. The activation level was not reached for an emission rate of 10 g h^–1, while for 30 g h^–1 static seeding could occur but the area with seeding aerosol was not significant. The distribution in which generators were closer together turned out to be the one with smaller maximum concentrations and bigger areas occupied by the aerosol at a given level. Covered area and seeding aerosol concentrations increased for emission rates of 30 g h^–1. In general, the plume follows the wind direction and its vertical rise is determined by the turbulent kinetic energy for the area where the generator is placed.