Dry ice or silver iodide crystals are primarily used for what purpose in meteorology?

Dry ice and silver iodide crystals are primarily used in meteorology for cloud seeding. This process involves introducing these substances into the atmosphere to stimulate precipitation. When dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide) is released into clouds, it can cause the temperature in the cloud to drop, promoting the formation of ice crystals. Silver iodide serves a similar purpose with its crystal structure, which encourages the formation of water droplets, ultimately leading to rain or snow.

Cloud seeding is particularly valuable in regions experiencing drought or for enhancing rainfall in agricultural areas. By increasing precipitation, it aids in water resource management and can boost agricultural productivity. This practice exemplifies how meteorologists can actively influence weather patterns to achieve beneficial outcomes.