THE EARTH'S GASEOUS HYDROSPHERE AS A NATURAL RESOURCE

Consideration is given to the desirability of regarding the water vapor of the atmosphere as a resource for the extraction of fresh liquid water by artificial means. One method for doing this, previously proposed by the writers, is analyzed from the standpoint of simple dynamic calculations, using actual meteorological data taken in the Middle East and the Gulf of Mexico. Various problems and design features of the scheme are discussed in the light of climatological factors and of meteorological physics. The necessity of much preliminary study is stressed, in order to increase the probability of success of an initial experimental unit. Due to the importance of cost considerations, ways of decreasing the minimum necessary size of the device proposed are considered for incorporation as design features. In effect the method may be looked upon as the generation by artificial means of a captive and controlled miniature rainstorm. In certain special arrangements it may also be regarded as a means for the desalinization of sea water.