GLOBE Projects

GLOBE Side Navigation

HAILSTORM MITIGATION STRATEGIES IN AGRICULTURAL REGION - A CASE STUDY OF PIRAÚBA - MINAS GERAIS

Organization(s):Brazil Citizen Science
Country:Brazil
Student(s):Miguel Vitorino
Grade Level:Upper Primary (grades 3-5, ages 8-11)
Educator(s):
Contributors:Jeane de Fatima Moreira Branco
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Precipitation
Presentation Video: View Video
Presentation Poster: View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
Hail forms inside cumulonimbus clouds, the same clouds that often cause heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.
Abstract Hail is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by the precipitation of ice formed within cumulonimbus clouds. Depending on its size and intensity, it can cause severe damage to agriculture and infrastructure. This study discusses the types of hailstorms, mitigation methods—focusing on hail cannons—and the use of the GLOBE Program to monitor this phenomenon. Although hail cannons are used in agricultural regions, their effectiveness is questioned, with alternative techniques such as hail nets and cloud seeding being recommended. The study also analyzes the impacts of hailstorms in Piraúba, Minas Gerais, and proposes mitigation solutions for the region. 1. Introduction Hail can have negative impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and the safety of affected communities. In the municipality of Piraúba, Minas Gerais, frequent hailstorm episodes have been recorded, resulting in material damage and losses for the population. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impacts of this phenomenon and present mitigation strategies. 2. Methodology The research utilized data from the GLOBE Program to analyze the occurrence of hailstorms in Piraúba, evaluating the frequency and intensity of the phenomenon. Information about events recorded by students and citizen scientists was collected and compared with official meteorological data. Additionally, a literature review was conducted on mitigation methods, including hail cannons, protective nets, and cloud seeding. 3. Results and Discussion The analyzed data indicate that hail can have severe impacts on agriculture and infrastructure, reinforcing the need for effective mitigation strategies. The use of hail cannons lacks solid scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness, while methods such as protective nets and cloud seeding show better results. In Piraúba, one of the suggested measures is the implementation of hail nets to protect crops, along with continuous monitoring through the GLOBE Program. Awareness campaigns and training for farmers are also essential to minimize losses. 4. The Role of the GLOBE Program The GLOBE Program can assist in monitoring hailstorms by engaging students and citizen scientists in data collection, improving local meteorological records. Through systematic observations, such as measuring hail size, recording storm frequency, and analyzing weather patterns, the program helps build a comprehensive database. This information can be used by researchers and authorities to predict and mitigate future hail events, supporting the development of more effective protective measures in regions like Piraúba. 5. Conclusion Hailstorms pose a significant threat to regions like Piraúba, Minas Gerais. The use of proven strategies, such as protective nets and cloud seeding, combined with monitoring via the GLOBE Program, can help reduce the damage caused by this phenomenon. The implementation of educational and structural measures is essential to ensure the safety of the population and the sustainability of local agriculture. Hail consists of ice stones that form within clouds with significant vertical extension. A very cold atmosphere is necessary for hail formation. Hail forms inside cumulonimbus clouds, the same clouds that often cause heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds. These clouds and hail can form at any time of the year, as long as atmospheric conditions are favorable. Cumulonimbus clouds have great vertical extension, with parts reaching atmospheric regions where the temperature is several degrees below 0°C. This extreme cold leads to ice formation, which is responsible for generating atmospheric electrical discharges. Ice stones fall from clouds when they become heavy enough to overcome the strong upward wind currents inside cumulonimbus clouds. In recent years, hailstorms have become common in various regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais. This meteorological phenomenon results from a combination of factors, such as the formation of storm clouds and the presence of cold air in the atmosphere. Hailstorms can cause material and human damage, especially in urban areas and during periods of high pedestrian and vehicle flow. The impact of ice stones can damage roofs, vehicles, crops, and injure people caught outdoors. A hailstorm is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by the fall of ice stones from the sky during a storm. Hail forms when water droplets freeze at high altitudes in the atmosphere, where temperatures are extremely low. These droplets become small ice pellets that grow as they are carried by the updraft of a storm cloud. As hailstones grow, they can become increasingly heavy and fall at high speeds, causing damage and destruction. The intensity of a hailstorm can vary significantly, with hailstones ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Hailstorms are more common in regions with significant temperature variation between the ground and the atmosphere, especially in temperate or subtropical climates. However, they can also occur in tropical regions, particularly in mountainous areas. To minimize the effects of these storms, it is important for local authorities to be prepared to act quickly, providing assistance to those affected and implementing preventive measures, such as pruning trees that could fall in strong winds and reinforcing building structures that may be damaged. Additionally, it is crucial for the population to remain attentive to weather alerts and adopt safety measures, such as seeking shelter in secure locations and avoiding being outdoors during storms. With these precautions, it is possible to reduce the impact of hailstorms and ensure the safety and well-being of the population. Sudden temperature changes can trigger hailstorms. Cities may suffer destruction, with roofs punctured by the impact of large hailstones. Note: The use of hail cannons as a mitigation strategy is based on the emission of shock waves into the atmosphere to disrupt hail formation. While widely used in some agricultural regions, scientific studies have questioned their effectiveness. Some proponents argue that hail cannons can reduce the size of hailstones or prevent their formation altogether. However, their success rate remains debated, and alternative strategies, such as protective nets and cloud seeding, have shown more consistent results in hailstorm mitigation. We need to provide for the future: Global Distribution of Hail Occurrences A world map showing the most affected regions. Increase in Hail Frequency (Recent Years) – A line graph showing the trend of increasing events over the years. Economic Damage Caused by Hail – A bar graph comparing financial losses in different countries. Hail Impact on Agriculture – A comparison of the percentage of crops affected by hailstorms. GLOBE Measurements – A graph showing data collected by citizen scientists on the frequency and intensity of hail. Granizo https://portaldacidade.co/94a6141f64



Comments