Weather 2075: no more storms, earthquakes or tsunamis

By Dick Pelletier

      

    In 1923, it took just ninety seconds for the Great Kanto Earthquake to destroy Japan's economy and throw the country into chaos. This instability allowed a military takeover, which quickly led to war in Southeast Asia, then to WWII, dishing out unimaginable horrors to the world.

    Could a 1923 disaster repeat itself? What if the Southern California "Big One," forecast for years by experts, actually happened and 18 million people suddenly found their homes submerged in the Pacific Ocean? Would an event like this destroy the American economy, and how might it affect the rest of the world?

    Damages from violent weather are on the rise. Recent storms, earthquakes, and tsunamis have caused huge losses of lives, weakened economies and devastated areas. Everyone enjoys nature's breathtaking beauty and we couldn’t exist without its bounty, but sometimes our beautiful Earth can be harsh and unforgiving.

    Now, science is taking a pro-active stance. Forward-thinking geologists believe improved knowledge of weather modification, combined with our newest wonder science – molecular nanotechnology – will one day allow humanity to inoculate itself against natural disasters.

    Geologists describe earth's atmosphere as an envelope of air, rotating with the continents and oceans; receiving enormous amounts of energy from the Sun's radiation, which powers weather events. Typical energy expended in a tornado funnel is equal to about fifty kilotons of explosives; a thunderstorm exchanges about ten time this much during its lifetime; a moderate size Atlantic hurricane can build more than 1,000 megatons of energy.

    These vast quantities of power make it unlikely that brute-force techniques would ever lead to sensible weather modification. However, experts believe we could exert some control over our weather by creating instabilities in the atmosphere. Scientists have successfully "seeded" clouds with dry ice to dissipate fog at airports and using similar ideas, research is underway to increase rainfall in dry desert areas.

    Earthquake control has received much attention recently. In the course of underground nuclear weapons testing in Nevada, researchers observed that an explosion could release strain in rock layers. Some hypothesize that a series of small timely explosions correctly placed near earthquake faults could reduce an earthquake's power making it less harmful.

    Now enter tomorrow's nanotech. Forward-thinkers predict that between 2050 and 2075, 'smart' nanobots could be launched into the sky to change the chemical makeup of the atmosphere and make it easy for humans to control. Say goodbye to dangerous storms and hello to 'weather on demand'. Rain and sunshine could be directed to fall where needed.

    But could changing 'Mother Nature' be dangerous? Violent storms have always been part of evolution. In the insect and microbe world, storms destroy many life forms and create new ones. This give and take procedure has kept our planet healthy throughout its history.

    Today's intelligence, human or machine, could never comprehend the repercussions involved with artificially changing the weather, but experts believe tomorrow's enhanced brains and quantum computers could provide the intelligence necessary to alter Earth's behavior and make it safe for all inhabitants – humans, animals, plants, and microbes.

    As we enter into our 2075 "magical future," we will feel secure knowing that the dangers of storms, earthquakes, and tsunamis are gone.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.