Date of Graduation

Spring 2010

Degree

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Department

Defense and Strategic Studies

Committee Chair

Andrei Shoumikhin

Abstract

Weather has been a major part of battles since the dawn of time. Weather Modification Technology (WMT) allows humans to alter the weather when the right conditions are present. While the incidence of WMT's use in military operations is low, the investment in this technology by other countries suggests that its occurrence may become more widespread. The role of WMT in America's future wars must be examined because this technology has the capability to cause serious harm to both civilian communities and military forces. Assessing the usefulness of WMT required a thorough review of military, academic and legal documents. This project found that the legal documents governing WMT suggest that benign WMT is allowed in warfare. The US has limited WMT capabilities but there are many opportunities to upgrade current delivery devices with new technology. The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) has the potential to take WMT to a new level in the future. However, HAARP's slow progress suggests that the most reliable and effective WMT is the type that is currently available to the US and its adversaries. WMT has a significant role in America's future wars because of its ability to impact infrastructure and immobilize the enemy.

Keywords

weather modification technology, cloud seeding, fog dissipation, snowfall augmentation, rainfall enhancement, environmental modification convention

Subject Categories

Defense and Security Studies

Copyright

© Ross Aaron Cronkrite

Download

Campus Only

Share

COinS