UAE weather bureau inaugurates Science Dome to enhance understanding of weather phenomena

Abu Dhabi: A model new facility — the Science Dome — has been opened in Abu Dhabi as we speak to create higher consciousness of weather phenomena, geophysics and local weather change.

Located on the headquarters of the UAE’s nationwide weather bureau — the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) — the ability in Al Shawamekh will provide guests a four-dimensional immersive expertise. A 12-metre dome will display screen interactive movies for younger scientists, college students and different guests, together with movies in regards to the beginning of planet Earth, its volcanoes, and the science behind cloud seeding, one of the UAE’s main local weather initiatives.

“We are pleased to inaugurate this innovative scientific project. It is part of the NCM’s efforts to employ modern technologies that provide accurate services and information on weather forecasting, cloud seeding operations and other related fields for both specialists and students,” stated Dr Abdulla Al Mandous, NCM director and president of the Regional Association II (Asia).

NCM not solely information and disseminates details about the weather within the UAE and the area, however has additionally carried out very important cloud seeding operations to enhance rainfall within the UAE. Its actions have generated a lot curiosity in recent times, and it's this enthusiasm that the Science Dome hopes to construct on. “The UAE has a complex weather system; it is not all just blue skies and hot weather. In fact, there is summer rainfall happening every day, even in the month of July, over the Northern Emirates,” Omar Al Yazeedi, NMC director of analysis, improvement and coaching, informed Gulf News. “We would like to create better understanding of these systems, especially among youth, and seeing the phenomena being depicted in a four-dimensional manner will make it even clearer. In addition, understanding cloud seeding and its role in rain enhancement should also help create awareness about its role in global warming,” he added.

The dome has been put in by consultants from London, and might accommodate up to 60 folks. It additionally has room for People of Determination, and gives a 160-degree view. Among the four-dimensional results that accompany screenings are warmth, wind, fog and tremors. The facility can be linked to two media server options that present real-time atmospheric weather modelling and weather simulations.

In the primary section, the NCM will entertain teams of college students enrolled in colleges and universities. “We hope to eventually open the dome to the general public once COVID-19 precautions are further eased,” Al Yazeedi stated.

“In recent years, we have seen growing interest in the UAE’s weather. Many people closely following our weather updates, and some even contact us to ask where in the UAE they can go to experience some rain. Our goal with this Science Dome is to enhance this understanding, especially given the UAE’s integral role in rain enhancement science,” he added.

The UAE first started rain enhancement in 1990, with the NCM spearheading efforts in recent times. In 2016, the weather bureau launched the International Research Programme in Rain Enhancement Science, with greater than 370 analysis proposals submitted over three cycles. Awarded initiatives examine a spread of facets associated to rain enhancement, together with modern cloud seeding supplies, and the identification of appropriate cloud sorts.

In addition, the UAE now has greater than 60 networked weather stations, in addition to an built-in radar community, and 5 specialised plane for seeding operations. It additionally has the primary manufacturing unit to produce high-quality flares within the area.