With reference to cloud seeding, consider the following statements:

(1) It is a weather modification technique that improves a cloud's ability to produce rain or snow by introducing tiny ice nuclei into certain types of subfreezing clouds.

(2) Aluminum hydroxide is the most common chemical used for cloud seeding.

Select the correct statement using the code given below:

The correct answer is Option 1: 1 only

Key Points

• Statement 1: Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique used to enhance a cloud’s ability to produce precipitation. It involves introducing ice nuclei, like silver iodide or sodium chloride, into subfreezing clouds to promote the formation of snow or rain.
• Statement 2: Aluminum hydroxide is not the most common chemical used for cloud seeding. The most commonly used chemicals are silver iodide and sodium chloride, which are more effective in the cloud seeding process.

Important Points

• Cloud seeding is typically performed in cold clouds with temperatures below freezing, where the introduction of ice nuclei helps initiate the freezing process, allowing for the formation of larger water droplets or snowflakes.
• Common seeding agents like **silver iodide** mimic the structure of ice crystals, making them effective in facilitating precipitation in certain cloud types.

Additional Information

• Cloud Seeding Techniques: Cloud seeding can be done via aircraft or ground-based generators that release the seeding agents into the atmosphere to trigger precipitation in suitable clouds.
• Other Chemicals: In addition to silver iodide and sodium chloride, other chemicals such as **potassium iodide** or **calcium chloride** can also be used in cloud seeding, depending on the specific weather conditions and desired outcomes.