The Impact of the Rapid City Flood on Public Opinion About Weather Modification

Abstract

Prior to the Rapid City flood of 9 June 1972, a panel of South Dakota respondents had participated in a sociological survey on opinion about weather modification. The panel was reinterviewed after the event. Findings show that most respondents were aware that cloud seeding had occurred prior to the flood, that the majority did not attribute the flood to cloud seeding, that Rapid City area residents were no more likely than other respondents to attribute a causal link, and that the perception of the disaster as man-made is associated with increased awareness and belief that the technology is effective and decreased favorability toward the technology and toward programs. No organized opposition to weather modification has occurred in South Dakota since the flood.