Some Problems in Utilizing 
Water Resources of the Air 
GLENN W. BRIER 
United States Weather Bureau, 
Washington, D. C. 
Two pioneers (pp. 291 and 300) in the field of weather modifica- 
tion have discussed some of the problems that lie ahead in man’s 
attempt to extend his control over nature. In view of the wide 
differences of opinion that still exist on the question of “‘rain- 
making,” it may appear to some that little or no progress has been 
made. However, progress has been made—at least in the sense of 
finding out what some of the most important problems are and 
what areas need further exploration. There seems to be general 
agreement that more facts and more data are needed. And the 
necessity and importance of getting them was brought out at the 
Mid-Century Conference on Resources for the Future. Meteorolo- 
gist Athelstan Spilhaus stated, ‘“To summarize in one sentence: 
If the control of the sea and the air and the useful things in them 
is kept clearly as the objective in this search, it will then be an 
objective large enough and with such a tremendous pay-off that 
it should attract the best scientific minds’”’ (8). 
It will be the purpose of this paper to discuss some problems 
connected with the collection and interpretation of the facts which 
are needed before an intelligent answer can be given regarding the 
potentialities of weather control as a solution to the arid lands 
water problem. 
Survey of Moisture Resources Available in the Atmosphere 
Precipitation is the end product of a large number of events on 
both the macro and micro scale. The amount of precipitation de- 
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