Abstract: A method for producing elongated, rotating, dynamically controllable, cyclostrophically balanced, fluid virtual siphon columns, wherein: the term fluids covers any media capable of flow, including particulates; the fluid/s can be a single medium or a mixture of materials capable of flow; the fluid/s entrain such flow in themselves and/or other fluid/s preferably by means of initialising near axially-fed outwardly spinning, centrifugal, upward motion with coherent convection, thus creating largely self-sustaining, rising updraft, rotational, cyclostrophically balanced fluid virtual siphon columns of considerable length. Such columns can be made visible by means of condensed water, bubbles, smoke or particulate matter and may be illuminated for greater visual effect. Other uses for employing such controllable upwardly flowing fluid columns are explored.

Abstract: The invention concerns environmentally compatible methods and apparatuses for local modification of atmosphere, and in particular, for causing precipitation, dissipating fogs and/or clouds, removing air-pollutants in a target area. SUBSTANCE: the method involves applying air ionizers (1a, 1b, 1c) to generate ion flows into atmosphere to form convective flows and/or spatial charges. To control characteristics of the ion flow, it is proposed to use one or multiple air ionizers (1a, 1b, 1c) provided with variable-inclination electrode working cells. EFFECT: wide application of an air ionizer (1) with variable layout (inclination angle) of the electrodes in weather condition modification over a target area.

Abstract: A system for removing carbon dioxide from an atmosphere to reduce global warming including an air extraction system that collects carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a medium and removes carbon dioxide from the medium; a sequestration system that isolates the removed carbon dioxide to a location for at least one of storage and generation of a renewable carbon fuel; and one or more power supplying units that supply heat to the air extraction system to remove the carbon dioxide from the medium, at least one of the one or more power supplying units being a fossil fuel plant.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing a mass of vapor water includes a water film maker floating on a surface of a water source, the water film maker 1 absorbing water of the water source by virtue of capillary mechanism or moisture-holding ability to make a thin water film on the surface, the thin water film being to be exposed to sunlight, and a device for preventing a plurality of the water film makers arranged on the surface, from drifting. Moisture absorbed in the thin water film is vaporized by sunlight energy to thereby produce a mass of water vapor in the sky. The mass of water vapor is heated by an apparatus for heating atmospheric air, including a plurality of heaters each having a colored surface, to thereby cause the mass of water vapor to climb with the result of artificial stimulation of rain.

Abstract: By efficiently lowering a water temperature of a sea surface to thereby suppress an evaporation of a water vapor from the sea surface by lowering the water temperature of the sea surface, a generation of an atmospheric depression is prevented or its strength is weakened. Further, by suppressing a rise of the sea surface temperature, a generation of a red tide or a blue tide is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: This invention provides systems, materials, and methods of environmental modification with climate control materials. Climate control materials may have different properties such as optical properties, wettability, porosity, buoyancy, thermal conductivity, imperviousness, strength/breaking, source of materials, and biodegradability, that may assist with local environmental modification. Climate control materials may also incorporate different designs that may allow them to advantageously affect the local albedo and evaporation rate and thereby modify the local environment. Effects of such climate control materials may be reversible and may minimize ecological harm.

Abstract: The method of gradual weakening of moving hurricane which prevents to gain in maximum energy and some means useful at protection against hurricanes and global warming weakening are offered.

Abstract: The method of interrupting a tornado comprises the step of locating an area of ongoing tornadic activity. Ultra-cold substance is then released at low altitudes in the area of ongoing tornadic activity. In preferred embodiments, the ultra-cold substance is delivered to the area of ongoing tornadic activity by an airplane. The ultra-cold substance is preferably liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a permanent and prosperous solution to both human global warming (˜0.26 to 0.74° F.) as well as natural global warming (˜7 to 9° F.). It simultan-eously employs all three of the physical laws to thermostatically regulate Earth: Macro solar energy reflection; sequestration of absorbed solar energy; and, enhanced infrared radiation from Earth. Temporal and spatial macro aerosol water evaporation is employed to triple-cool Earth's surface, by way of: 1. Low-altitude atmospheric and oceanic vapor-cooling and/or macro storage of artificial snow; 2. Automatic ascension of lightweight water vapors to high-altitudes for enhanced water-phase-change infrared radiation from Earth, and; 3. Increased cloud coverage to reflect more incoming solar energy.

Abstract: A climate processor having virtual estuaries which enable large strips of land to act like real water estuaries thereby providing a means of climate control overhead. Said estuaries are also used to prevent polar isotherm migration, melting ice shelves, vortical storm formation and migration from lateral coastal airflow. Said estuaries are formed between two parallel-laid thermal belts formed from artificial surface whitening and jet contrails. The surface whitening can be laid down as a foam or gel and deployed overhead as a high level aviation propellant. The belts may be applied daily and dissipate as the day progresses and subsequently warms. Commercial aircraft flights may be readjusted based on the placement of the artificial estuaries. Also claimed are an aerial deployment system for the foam, a high-level aviation propellant system, a carbon trading system for commercial airlines, a “Russian Doll” gas mixing device and a range of suitable foams.

Abstract: A method and device for suppressing the destructive force of a tropical cyclone, wherein the ascendant speed of wind in the eyewall of a cyclone is reduced by sea water pumped on-site from under the sea surface to above the surface, and then dispensed in the wind at the bottom of the cyclone in/near its eyewall.

Abstract: Globose-conduit (GC) conforming embodiments Universe of quintessential, core, natural disposition mass energy highest conserving (QCNDMEHC) forces completely matched complete complements compact composite Sets. ‘Fluids functions’ conforming least mass compositions at highest elevations least GC height least length continuous compact composite, fluid free-surfaces composite least rotations, fluids quanta forms least height perimeters most conserve mass energy. Buried GC QCNDMEHC thermal aqueducts transfer their mass-energy heat portion into subsoil, combat ‘global warming’, the Earth's crust surface cooling, sea levels rising and submicroscopic, subatomic to cosmos mass systems heat energy forced electro-thermodynamics electromagnetics perimeters buoyancy/density, evaporation and suction.

Abstract: Space-based power system and method of altering weather using space-born energy. The space-based power system maintains proper positioning and alignment of system components without using connecting structures. Power system elements are launched into orbit, and the free-floating power system elements are maintained in proper relative alignment, e.g., position, orientation, and shape, using a control system. Energy from the space-based power system is applied to a weather element, such as a hurricane, and alters the weather element to weaken or dissipate the weather element. The weather element can be altered by changing a temperature of a section of a weather element, such as the eye of a hurricane, changing airflows, or changing a path of the weather element.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a Mechanically Produced Thermocline Based Ocean Temperature Regulatory System and process to sequester anthropogenic carbon dioxide, create a cold water barrier to hurricanes and tropical storms, and insure the function of the thermohaline circulation.

Abstract: An engine for reducing the temperature at the surface of a body of water during a storm includes at least one floatation member for supporting the engine, an elongate tube mounted on the floatation member configured to receive a stream of air therethrough, the elongate tube having first and second ends, a constricted center section therebetween and means for distributing water into the tube adjacent the constricted center section, a wind turbine having at least one rotor, a differential and a shaft connecting the rotor to the differential, a pump operatively connected to the wind turbine and extending into the body of water to a depth where the temperature of the water is less the water temperature at the surface and wherein water from beneath the surface of the body of water is pumped into the manifold and distributed into the elongate tube to cool the stream of air.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fog generator comprising a vessel that contains a fog generating fluid and a compressed propellant gas for driving the fog generating fluid from the vessel into a heat exchanger which transforms the fog generating fluid into steam and is connected with the vessel, and a valve positioned between the vessel and the heat exchanger, characterized in that the valve is adapted for controlling the fog generating fluid flow rate by varying its orifice resistance as a function of vessel pressure, such that the fluid flow rate is independent of vessel pressure.

Abstract: A method for controlling hurricanes by raising temperature in the eye and/or in the outflow. Air temperature within the eye and in the outflow of a hurricane is raised by flying scores of jet planes with afterburners in the structure. Small changes in temperature on a large scale bring in large changes in other variables on the smaller scale to change the direction and intensity of the hurricane.

Abstract: A procedure for moderating the intensity of a hurricane in regions of the seas that are host to the oil and gas industries is described, using the Gulf of Mexico as an example of such a region, and snow-making machines as the instruments for carrying out the procedure. These machines are carried on moving platforms that follow the hurricane and on fixed platforms that are located in the path of the hurricane. In the described procedure snow-making machines are installed on fixed platforms throughout the region, and only those machines that are in the path of an approaching hurricane are turned on, while the snow-making machines on the moving platform(s) are operating continually.

Abstract: Methods and systems for promoting precipitation from moisture-bearing atmospheric formations are described. A composition comprising a precipitation stimulating material and a volatile liquid agent is located on an aircraft and subject to one or more aircraft-generated pressures during aspersion. A first pressure is a pressure for expelling the composition from the aircraft. A second pressure results from combination between air and aircraft velocity. A third pressure is an ascending pressure resulting from expelling the composition from the aircraft at a lift portion location of the aircraft where only a lift force is applied to the aircraft during flight.

Abstract: A climate control system comprising a base, a mast extending from the base, a fan mounted on the mast for producing an airflow, the airflow being directed by an adjustable diffuser, and a fog introduction system connected to a water source and mounted adjacent to the fan. The fog introduction system introduces fog into the airflow. The fog introduction system comprises at least one fog ring and the water source may further comprise a pump. The climate control system may further comprising a heat source. The fog ring may comprise nozzles, and the nozzle diameter may be in the range of 0.002 to 0.02 inches.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with producing and distributing one or more radiative forcing agents to Earth's atmosphere are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for mitigating or preventing a major air disturbance comprising a fluid stream, preferably heated, adjacent to the earth's surface and orienting it upwardly in the vicinity or potential vicinity of a major air disturbance in order to in part move lower level air upwardly to cool the surface of the earth, including the sea. The displacement of atmospheric air by the upwardly directed stream diminishes the strength or potential strength of major air disturbances.

Abstract: A system is described generally for providing a structure or structures for altering water surface temperature. The system includes a holding vessel configured to hold water. The holding vessel has at least one wall coupled to a lowermost portion. The at least one wall extends above the water level and the lowermost portion is configured to be submerged. At least one conduit extends from the lower side of the holding vessel. The at least one conduit has a length extending to a depth at which a property of water at the depth is substantially different from that of the water at the surface. The at least one conduit or the holding vessel includes at least one aperture formed in at least one of the holding vessel or the at least one conduit and located at a distance below the mean surface water level and at least one one way valve is coupled to the at least one aperture and allowing flow of water in only one direction.

Abstract: A marine water conversion apparatus capable of pumping ocean surface water several hundred feel below the surface to cause sufficient cooler water to rise to the surface to prevent formation of or to moderate hurricanes. The apparatus is remotely controlled and includes a propulsion system for moving it to a new location or in predetermined patterns through use of a global positioning system and computerized controls. Power for driving the pumps may be provided by a wind turbine driven electric generator at the upper end of an upper tube section pivotally connected to a float tank on a vertical axis.

Abstract: An integrated technological system for improving the climate is disclosed providing integrated management especially in the area of water. The system provides management and improvement in the area of integrated management of water sources, replenishment of water into the water cycle, water policy, and flood prevention with an additional contribution towards all areas of life and development of a society.

Abstract: The hard fact of physics is that water on the surface of the ocean will not evaporate by significant amounts after being treated with the introduction of ample amounts of liquid air. If you can keep a layer of air at less that +30° F. on the surface of the ocean the existing vapor will condensate before it reaches an elevation of one foot. This vapor will remain ‘trapped’ there as long as temperature conditions are maintained and the surrounding air does not warm significantly. When significant amounts of liquid air are injected onto the ocean surface the subsequent temperature of the air will stay between ?330° F. and +30° F. for eight to twenty hours.

Abstract: A self-sufficient material property profile regulation method and system, for adjusting fluid property profiles such as in an ocean of multiple property layers, is described. Using this Fluid Property Regulator, the property profiles of a non-enclosed material, including property profiles related to material density, chemical characteristics and space-time position, are affected due to motion of the material relative to a body in the flow stream. The state of other matter with which the initial material then makes direct or indirect contact is also affected. For example, in the case of a liquid such as an ocean current, the temperature, salinity, nutrient content and other properties may be destratified (i.e. layers being combined) as the system lifts large quantities of deep water and combines this material with surface water in the downstream far-field region of the system.

Abstract: A system and method is described generally for affecting atmospheric change. The system and method include providing a high altitude conduit. The system and method also include providing a first material through the conduit Further, the system and method include expelling the first material through at least one conduit opening into the atmosphere at high altitude.

Abstract: A machine and method of operation to get rid of hurricanes. The general idea is to get rid of the low pressure in the center of the hurricane. No low pressure equals no circulation. No circulation equals no hurricane. The machine is a ship consisting of two main parts, an upper part and a lower part. The lower part consists of four submersible torpedo shaped hulls. The upper part is V shaped with three fan tubes stacked vertically on each side of the V. Method of operation. The machine is placed in the hurricane eyewall near the hurricane eye. The machine would mechanically blow air from the eyewall to the eye. The machine would bend the eyewall so that the eyewall would be diverted into the eye. The machine would slow down the air in the eyewall and the low pressure in the eye would suck the air in.

Abstract: A machine and method of operation to get rid of hurricanes. The general idea is to get rid of the low pressure in the center of the hurricane. No low pressure equals no circulation. No circulation equals no hurricane. The machine is a ship consisting of two main parts, an upper part and a lower part. The lower part consists of four submersible torpedo shaped hulls. The upper part is V shaped with three fan tubes stacked vertically on each side of the V. Method of operation. The machine is placed in the hurricane eyewall near the hurricane eye. The machine would mechanically blow air from the eyewall to the eye. The machine would bend the eyewall so that the eyewall would be diverted into the eye. The machine would slow down the air in the eyewall and the low pressure in the eye would suck the air in.

Abstract: A multi-stage fluid power turbine having application as a fire extinguisher to be ideally carried by a fire truck (e.g., a tanker or a pumper) so as to fight outdoor fires. An impeller and a propeller are located at one end of the fire extinguisher, and a fan is located at the opposite end. The propeller and the fan are mounted on a common inner shaft so as to rotate in a first direction. The impeller is mounted on a hollow outer shaft or tube that surrounds the inner shaft. The impeller includes a plurality of curved blades, each of which having a fluid duct running therethrough. Water under pressure being supplied from a source to the impeller blades is ejected from the fluid ducts thereof and thrust against the blades of the propeller, whereby to impart a rotational force to the propeller and a corresponding rotational force to the fan. The water ejected from the curved impeller blades causes the impeller to rotate in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An elongated pipe conduit snow making tower, and assembly method, having an upper end spray nozzle head and pivotally supported on a support pipe for vertical inclination by a hydraulic ram jack enabling infinite non-preselected incremental inclinations. A ram safety latch automatically latch/catches the tower pipe if the jack leaks. Secondary and tertiary external flexible water hoses are selectable to feed associated spray head snowmaking nozzles, and an internal compressed air conduit feeds spray head seeding nozzles. Secondary and tertiary ball valve assemblies mounted on a water feed block are outlet coupled to their respective hoses. In drain condition turbulent primary water continually washes against a valve ball flow closure side for an anti-freezing effect. The spray head is a four-piece modular planar stack up of disks each carrying spray nozzles that all discharge forwardly away from the pipe tower in generally parallel spray patterns.

Abstract: The invention turns a hurricane/tropical cyclone into a tropical rainstorm by spraying a super coolant such as liquid oxygen, or liquid hydrogen, or liquid nitrogen, or other super cold liquid gas around the top of the eye wall and additionally if needed, into the front of the eye wall, or forming eye wall using aircraft with pre-measured amounts of super coolant. Based on actual results, a real time computer system will be developed to enable communications between aircraft and control the amount of super coolant dispersed. The result of the invention will reduce/eliminate the damage to life and property due to high winds and storm surge as well as the staggering costs for rebuilding.

Abstract: An irrigation control system for land comprising: (a) at least one meter to measure one or more wheather conditions in a first area; (b) at least one monitor to (i) examine rainfall data derived from a radar scanning at least the first area according to predetermined criteria and (ii) to extract data which is representative of the scanned rainfall in a sub-area of the first area; (c) a store to store the extracted data; and (d) a controller connected directly or indirectly to the meter and the monitor and to the store, to calculate a moisture content value for the sub-area and a predetermined moisture content value for the sub-area, and to regulate the irrigation in a sub-area.

Abstract: A tower has a concrete base (14) supported within the Earth and a frame (5) extending vertically from the base into the atmosphere. A ground conductor (12) runs alongside the frame. A first ground rod (10) is driven into the Earth and is connected to the ground conductor to charge the ground conductor electrically negative. A second ground rod (10) extending vertically above the frame is connected to the ground conductor to be charged electrically negative. A positive conductor (21) running alongside the frame is connected to a positively charged generator (16). A positive rod (22) extending vertically above the frame is connected to the positive conductor to be charged electrically positive. The second ground rod discharges protons from lightning into the Earth via the ground conductor and the first ground rod, and the positive rod attracts and discharges electrons remaining its vicinity into the generator via the positive conductor.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling atmospheric conditions in a portion of the atmosphere for weather modification is described. The control of atmospheric conditions is carried out by controllably urging the collisions between the water droplets in the atmosphere so as to cause their controllable coalescence. The urging is characterized by adjusting non-gravitational attraction forces between the droplets to a predetermined value so as to alter a collision rate between the water droplets to a desired value. The changes of the non-gravitational attraction force between the droplets are achieved by dosed seeding in a portion of a cloud or fog a particulate material that is electrically charged to a required magnitude and polarity. The dosed seeding of the charged materials controls the concentration of the charged droplets and the electric attraction between the charged droplets with neutral droplets as well as the electric interaction between the charged droplets.

Abstract: Application: in ecology, particularly for reduction of contamination in the ground level layer of the air by such substances as sulfur dioxide, ozone and others. The essence of the invention: the method consists in generation of the impulses of high-voltage electric field and the flow of negative ions in the ground level layer of the atmosphere. The generation of the flow of negative ions is realized continuously during nighttime, for example from 19 till 7 o'clock of local time.

Abstract: A snow making system comprises a cooling subsystem having a fan that draws a first air into the cooling subsystem and a turbine that expands a second air to produce an expanded air, with the cooling subsystem combining the first air and the expanded air to produce a high mass-flow, high-velocity, cooled air. A nozzle subsystem has a channel that receives the cooled air and a water injector that injects water into the cooled turbine air such that the water is atomized and frozen by the high-velocity cooled air. The system thereby produces frozen water nuclei in the absence of a nucleating nozzle. The remainder of the channel receives high-velocity, high mass-flow fan air and water injectors that inject water into said air such that water particles are partly atomized. The two flows then mix upon exiting the system and produce snow if ambient conditions permit.

Abstract: The fog generator is provided for creating a fine mist to moisten a product being processed or an environment in which the product is being processed. The fog generator includes a suction housing and an induction conduit having openings on opposite ends operably disposed to or carried within the suction housing. A nozzle operably disposed at one of the open ends of the induction conduit creates a spray by forming a mixture of carrying medium and droplets of moistening medium. Clean air is induced to mix with the spray to form the mist within the induction conduit. A moistening medium separator within the fog generator separates large droplets of the moistening medium, leaving only a fine mist of micro-droplets to exit the fog generator.

Abstract: An Artificial Glaciation controlled lowering the level of the oceans by storing ice on the Arctic sea-ice with the help of the winds, first, by developing big ice-dams in the Arctic Straits for preventing the outward flow and for holding the stored ice firmly on the consolidated sea-ice, making it thicker and thicker gradually, directing the big Arctic rivers to the top of the sea-ice, later on allowing them to create their “tundra-land seas” with large open surface areas, allowing the uncooled Gulf Stream to penetrate to the Severnaya, with all of these causing the winds loaded, producing more precipitation, and gaining the lowering the level of the oceans with 1.5 cm/years, producing wide free continental shelves, making all the rivers energetically stronger, free from their old floods, but above all, saving mankind from its present run towards its self annihilation with the increased polar melting.

Abstract: A method for reducing the drag on an aqueous solution in a pipe or hose system such as a snow making system includes the introduction of drag reducing polymers into the aqueous solution prior to circulating the solution in a pipe or hose. In a preferred embodiment, the drag reducing polymers are a mixture of polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution. The introduction of the polyethylene oxide in a carrier solution reduces the overall frictional drag and therefore increases the snow making efficiency by reducing the power needed to pump the water. As a result, it is easier for greater quantities of snow to be made using existing equipment due to the increased flow rate as a result of the lower drag friction. In a preferred embodiment, the polyethylene oxide is approximately 20-30% by weight and is introduced into the water pipe so resulting concentrations are approximately 30-100 weight parts per million (WPPM).

Abstract: Primarily crushed flaky or platy pieces of ice are supplied from a supply port into a rotary blade casing of a high speed rotary snow producing and throwing apparatus toward a rotor blade in the shaft direction of a rotating shaft by strong discharge pressure of a forced blast, crushed into pieces with smaller and finer particle size through second crushing by the rotor blade rotating at high speed, and sent out from a delivery port nearly in the direction of a tangent of the rotational outer periphery of the rotor blade.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for affecting the formation and/or direction of a low atmospheric weather system. Audio generators are positioned to project sound waves toward a peripheral area of a weather system. The sound waves are generated at a frequency to affect the formation of the weather system in a manner to disrupt, enhance or direct the formation. The sound waves can also be projected in a manner to cause the system to produce rain.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for a spaying apparatus (10) which includes a ducting assembly (11) mountable about a fan (24), said ducting assembly (11) includes a plurality of ducts (28) formed by a plurality of vanes (29), each of said vanes (29) has a substantially constant width from a duct inlet (32) to a duct outlet (17, 18); a guide member locatable adjacent the ducting assembly (11) and on which the fan (24) is mountable, said guide member (33a) is shaped to direct fan forced air from the guide member (33a) to the duct inlet (32); and spray supply means (19) for providing ducted air with liquid to form spray.

Abstract: A method and system for inhibiting or weakening the formation of hurricanes, by detecting the onset of a hurricane in a region of open water and immediately cooling the surface water in the open water region. In the decribed preferred embodiments, the surface water is cooled by using one or more nuclear-powered submarines to pump cooler water at a depth in the open water region to the surface of the open water region.

Abstract: A method for artificially modifying the weather by seeding rain clouds of a storm with suitable cross-linked aqueous polymer. The polymer is dispersed into the cloud and the wind of the storm agitates the mixture causing the polymer to absorb the rain. This reaction forms a gelatinous substance which precipitate to the surface below. Thus, diminishing the clouds ability to rain.

Abstract: An economical and compact air handler specially configured for use in agricultural applications is provided. The agricultural air handler includes a shroud formed to surround a rotating shaft having a propeller attached to each end of the shaft. The propellers draw air through an air inlet located proximate the top of the shroud. Each propeller blows the air out of an end of the shroud. A shaft drive rotates the shaft. The shaft drive can be powered by a source outside the shroud, or a source contained within the shroud. The power source can include a hydraulic pump driven by the power take-off of a tractor. An air stream is blown from the shroud. The air stream is directed in an approximately vertically planar flow pattern to remove water ponded within the stem cup of a agricultural crop, such as cherries. The air handler can be used as a freeze protecting heat exchanger or for the application of liquid or dust formulations of agri-chemicals.

Abstract: An atmospheric inversion layer de-stabilizer apparatus is using the energy of the water vapor present in the earth's atmosphere to destabilize an atmospheric inversion layer, as a way and to disperse the air pollutants concentrated below the inversion layer, in time to prevent photochemical reactions and smog formation. The apparatus may also be used to alleviate frost, disperse fog, and control the atmosphere's composition above of a limited geographic area. The apparatus is using a ring balloon (26) filled with lighter than air gas, to elevate vertically in the atmosphere an air transport shuttle (42), and a control platform (122) to control the altitude and the ascending and descending speed of the air transport shuttle (42) via a vertical cable (102) attached to the air transport shuttle (42) and wound on a motorized reel (146).

Abstract: A device and method for cooling a vegetation covered surface, such as a golf putting green. Said method includes providing an air stream, injecting water into said air stream, and projecting the combined air/water mixture over and onto the surface to be cooled. The air/water mixture generally takes the form of a mist which is able to cool the air space directly above the ground surface, and further provides the advantage of providing cooling and moisture to the vegetation without saturating the subjacent soil. Alternately, the device may be used with only the fan portion operational, or with only the water injection operational.