Weather Modification and Public Opinion in South Dakota, 1972 and 1973

Abstract

Public response to South Dakota's operational cloud seeding program (SDWMP) has been traced since before its implementation. Data are presented from interviews conducted at the end of each of the program's first two operational seasons. Variables included are respondent 1) attitudes toward weather modification, 2) beliefs that it is effective in increasing precipitation and suppressing hail, 3) sources of information about the SDWMP, 4) knowledge about the weather modification program, 5) evaluation of cloud seeding programs, and 6) preferred decision making and funding for the program. The dependent variable is evaluation of programs; relationships among the variables are described. The impact of the Rapid City flood on opinion about weather modification in South Dakota is summarized.