Review of meteorological aspects on hail defense activities in Austria

Abstract

Hail defense in Austria is supported by meteorological offices since 1979. Testing the efficiency of these weather modification activities hailpad-networks have been erected 1981/1982 in two target areas (Lower Austria, size 500 sqkm and Styria, size 700 sqkm), with a mean distance of 2 km. All data, i.e. seeding information, hailpad data, crop damage (estimation by the Austrian Hail Insurance) are collected to establish a relation between hail registration and harm on plants. For the period 1981–1987 first results of the target areas are presented. For further investigation on the seeding effect a ten year period with more intensive radar registration will be necessary.