Airborne Radar Validation Experiments for the Orographic Cloud Seeding in the Taeback Mountains during the 2008–2009 Winter

The orographic cloud seeding experiments have been conducted in Taeback Mountains of South Korea from the 2008 and 2009 winter. The snow enhancement experimental results are analyzed by an observation network composed of the MicroWave Radiometer (MWR), Micro Rain Radar (MRR), and the optical disdrometer (PARSIVEL). Especially, the 35 GHz Ka-band airborne radar (Millisys Inc.) on-board the aircraft has been firstly used to validate the effect of airborne cloud seeding. After seeding, the airborne radar reflectivity change had been detected by scanning along the wind direction before and after cloud seeding, and then the ground snow increment was observed at the target region (Yongpyeong) in two experiments of six AgI seeding ones. We think the failure of experiments is mainly due to the relatively high cloud temperature. We suggest that this rapid validation of airborne radar for the cloud seeding is useful for such as the feasibility study before large-scale cloud seeding project.