Cloud Catchers: Harvesting Water from Fog

Industrial designer Peter Trautwein has invented “cloud catchers” that collect water from clouds without rain, providing drinking water to 16 villages in Morocco.

How it Works

The cloud catcher system uses specialized nets to capture water droplets from fog and store them in a cistern for distribution to the villages.

Research and Implementation

Climatologist Victoria Marzol has spent 30 years researching cloud catchers on the Canary Island of Tenerife, identifying areas where cloud catchers can be effective based on altitude, terrain shape, and wind direction.

In southwestern Morocco, cloud catchers are being used to harvest water from fog, providing a vital source of drinking water for local villages.

In Gran Canaria, cloud catchers are being used to support reforestation efforts, and in Spain, experts are warning of desertification due to severe drought and lack of precipitation.

Impact

The introduction of cloud catchers has revolutionized the lives of residents in a Moroccan village, providing easy access to clean water and enabling people, especially girls, to attend school.

In Gran Canaria, cloud catchers have shown promising results in supporting the growth of young trees, and researchers believe the technology can become even more efficient in the future.

Future Applications

Engineer Ricardo Gil has developed a system to catch and purify cloud water, selling it as a luxury item in France, Italy, and Qatar, and even using it to brew beer.

The technology has the potential to save energy and reduce water shortages, making it a valuable tool in the fight against water scarcity.

Term	Definition	Example Usage
Cloud Catcher	A device that collects water from clouds without rain, providing drinking water to villages.	Industrial designer Peter Trautwein has invented cloud catchers that collect water from clouds without rain, providing drinking water to 16 villages in Morocco.
Climatologist	A scientist who studies the Earth’s climate and weather patterns.	Climatologist Victoria Marzol has spent 30 years researching cloud catchers on the Canary Island of Tenerife.
Desertification	The process of a region becoming desert-like due to lack of rainfall and vegetation.	Experts in Spain are warning of desertification due to severe drought and lack of precipitation.
Fog	A type of cloud that is close to the ground and can produce mist or dew.	The cloud catcher system uses specialized nets to capture water droplets from fog and store them in a cistern.
Purify	To make something clean and free from impurities.	Engineer Ricardo Gil has developed a system to catch and purify cloud water, selling it as a luxury item.
Reforestation	The process of planting trees in an area that has been previously cleared of trees.	In Gran Canaria, cloud catchers are being used to support reforestation efforts.
Scarcity	A situation where something is not available in sufficient quantities.	The technology has the potential to save energy and reduce water shortages, making it a valuable tool in the fight against water scarcity.
Specialized	Designed or intended for a specific purpose or task.	The cloud catcher system uses specialized nets to capture water droplets from fog.
Victoria	A given name, in this case, referring to climatologist Victoria Marzol.	Climatologist Victoria Marzol has spent 30 years researching cloud catchers on the Canary Island of Tenerife.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i6Se5oFoWA

Cloud Catchers: Harvesting Water from Fog

Vocabulary Quiz

1. What does the word “cistern” refer to in the context of the cloud catcher system?
   1. a large container for storing water
   2. a type of cloud
   3. a specialized net
   4. a type of tree
2. What is “desertification”?
   1. a process of reforestation
   2. a severe lack of precipitation
   3. a type of cloud catcher
   4. a type of water purification system
3. What is the main benefit of cloud catchers in Moroccan villages?
   1. providing a source of income
   2. enabling people to attend school
   3. supporting reforestation efforts
   4. reducing energy consumption
4. What is the term for the study of climate?
   1. climatology
   2. meteorology
   3. hydrology
   4. geology
5. What is the luxury item being sold in France, Italy, and Qatar?
   1. cloud water
   2. fog
   3. beer
   4. wine

Answer Key

1. a large container for storing water
2. a severe lack of precipitation
3. enabling people to attend school
4. climatology
5. cloud water

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The Passive Voice with Modal Verbs

Explanation

The passive voice with modal verbs is used to express possibility, necessity, or obligation in a situation where the doer of the action is not mentioned or is not important. The modal verbs used in the passive voice are can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. For example, “Cloud catchers can be used to harvest water from fog” means that it is possible for cloud catchers to be used for this purpose.

Quiz

Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence:

1. According to the text, cloud catchers ____________________ to harvest water from fog in southwestern Morocco.

A) are being used	B) can be used	C) have been used	D) are used

2. The technology of cloud catchers ____________________ to support reforestation efforts in Gran Canaria.

A) is being used	B) can be used	C) has been used	D) is used

3. Experts believe that the technology of cloud catchers ____________________ even more efficient in the future.

A) can become	B) may become	C) might become	D) will become

4. Cloud water ____________________ as a luxury item in France, Italy, and Qatar.

A) is sold	B) can be sold	C) has been sold	D) is being sold

5. The technology of cloud catchers ____________________ to save energy and reduce water shortages.

A) can be used	B) is used	C) has been used	D) must be used

Answer Key

1. B) can be used 2. A) is being used 3. A) can become 4. A) is sold 5. A) can be used