Apparatus and related methods for weather modification by electrical processes in the atmosphere

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for weather modification. The apparatus comprises an emitter electrode, means for providing the emitter electrode with an electric charge, electrically coupled to the emitter electrode, an insulating support for supporting the emitter electrode at a predetermined height, and means for earthing the apparatus. The emitter electrode comprises a Malter film. According to another aspect of the present invention an apparatus for weather modification is provided, which comprises a lighter-than-air craft suitable for carrying an emitter electrode, means for providing the emitter electrode with an electric charge, electrically coupled to the emitter electrode, and means for earthing the apparatus. According to still a further aspect of the present invention, a method of increasing the amount of precipitation in a target region is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an emitter electrode, analyzing the meteorological situation in and/or close to the target region, and providing the emitter electrode with an electric charge in response to the meteorological analysis, thereby causing the emitter electrode to ionize the vicinity of the emitter electrode.

1 - 76 . (canceled) 
     
     
         77 . A method of increasing the amount of precipitation in a target region, comprising the following steps:
 a) providing an emitter electrode at a predetermined height;   b) analyzing the meteorological situation in and/or close to the target region; and   c) providing the emitter electrode with an electric charge in response to the meteorological analysis, thereby causing the emitter electrode to ionize the vicinity of the emitter electrode.   
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the charged emitter electrode acts as a charge capacitor. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the fair-weather electric current at cloud altitude is increased by the charged emitter electrode. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein cloud particles present in the target region are being charged by means of the charged emitter electrode. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the predetermined height is determined on the basis of the altitude of the clouds in the target region. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the predetermined height is at least 50%, preferably at least 65% of the altitude of the clouds in the target region. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the step of providing an emitter electrode at a predetermined height comprises elevating the emitter electrode by means of a lighter-than-air craft to the predetermined height. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 77 , wherein the emitter electrode comprises a Malter film, which preferably comprises a thin film of one or more electrically non-conducting materials and/or one or a combination of the following materials: Al 2 O 3 , Zn2SiO3, SiO2, ZrO2, CaCO3, Ta2O5. 
     
     
         85 . An apparatus for weather modification comprising:
 a lighter-than-air craft suitable for carrying an emitter electrode;   an emitter electrode;   means for providing the emitter electrode with an electric charge, electrically coupled to the emitter electrode; and   means for earthing the apparatus.   
     
     
         86 . The apparatus of  claim 85 , wherein the charged emitter electrode is adapted to act as a charge capacitor. 
     
     
         87 . The apparatus of  claim 85 , wherein the charged emitter electrode is adapted to increase the fair-weather electric current at cloud altitude. 
     
     
         88 . The apparatus of  claim 85 , wherein the lighter-than-air craft is a lighter-than-air capacitor. 
     
     
         89 . The apparatus of  claim 85 , wherein the emitter electrode is a wire mesh surrounding the surface of the lighter-than-air craft. 
     
     
         90 . The apparatus of  claim 85 , wherein the emitter electrode comprises a Malter film, which preferably comprises a thin film of one or more electrically non-conducting materials and/or one or a combination of the following materials: Al 2 O 3 , Zn2SiO3, SiO2, ZrO2, CaCO3, Ta2O5. 
     
     
         91 . Use of the apparatus according to  claim 85  for at least one of:
 dissipating fog in a target region; 
 increasing the cloud coverage and decreasing the temperature of the surface of the earth in a target region; 
 decreasing the probability of the formation and the intensity of cyclones at early stages of their development; 
 augmenting the inflow of oceanic moisture inland and moisture recycling in terrestrial areas; 
 re-forestation in a target region. 
 
     
     
         92 . Use of a method according to  claim 77 , for at least one of:
 dissipating fog in a target region;   increasing the cloud coverage and decreasing the temperature of the surface of the earth in a target region;   decreasing the probability of the formation and the intensity of cyclones at early stages of their development;   augmenting the inflow of oceanic moisture inland and moisture recycling in terrestrial areas;   re-forestation in a target region.