TAG: GS- 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
CONTEXT: During the floods and landslides in Wayanad in July 2024, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of “X-band radar” in the district.
EXPLANATION:
What is Wayanad’s new X-band radar?
- An X-band radar is a type of radar that operates in the 8-12 GHz frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with wavelengths of 2-4 cm.
- This radar is particularly useful for detecting smaller particles like raindrops, fog, and other fine materials due to its shorter wavelengths, which allow for higher resolution images.
Features of X-Band Radar:
- High Resolution: The shorter wavelength provides more detailed images, making it ideal for tracking weather phenomena, including precipitation and particle movements.
- Limited Range: They have a relatively shorter range compared to other types like S-band radars because higher frequency signals get attenuated (weakened) faster as they travel through the atmosphere.
What is a Doppler radar and how does it work?
- Doppler radar is a specialized radar system that uses the Doppler effect to measure the velocity of objects in the atmosphere, such as raindrops.
- This radar emits radio waves that bounce off atmospheric particles (rain, snow, hail) and bounce back to the radar. The change in frequency between the transmitted and received signals (Doppler shift) is used to calculate the speed and direction of dynamic weather systems, which aids in forecasting storms, rainfall intensity, and possible tornadoes.
What is a Doppler Radar?
A Doppler radar is a type of radar used primarily in meteorology to measure the velocity and movement of weather formations, such as clouds and storms. It works on the principle of the Doppler effect, which refers to the change in frequency of waves as their source moves relative to the observer.
Why does Wayanad need an X-band radar?
- Wayanad, located in the Western Ghats, is prone to heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods, especially during the monsoon season. The region’s mountainous terrain makes accurate weather forecasting challenging. The X-band radar’s ability to provide precise, high-resolution data over a smaller range is crucial for real-time monitoring of weather conditions in such a complex landscape. This will improve early warning systems and help mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
- The first indigenously designed and manufactured X-band radar in India was installed in Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, in 2015. Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places on Earth, and the installation of the radar there marked a significant achievement in India’s efforts to develop domestic weather-monitoring technology.
India’s Radar Network
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) began using radars in weather applications in the 1950s.
- The first indigenously designed X-band storm detection radar was installed in 1970 in New Delhi.
- In 1996, the IMD replaced 10 outdated X-band radars with digital X-band radars.
- India’s radar network includes both wind-finding and storm-detecting X-band radars. The country also uses S-band radars (2-4 GHz) for long-range detection. The first S-band cyclone detection radar was installed in Visakhapatnam in 1970.
Recent Developments:
- In September 2024, the Ministry of Earth Sciences announced that India would install 56 additional Doppler radars over the next few years.
- On September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ₹2,000-crore ‘Mission Mausam’, which aims to upgrade meteorological infrastructure, including the installation of up to 60 radars by 2026.
- The Wayanad radar initiative also includes the installation of a C-band radar (4-8 GHz) in Mangalore, with an observational range of 250 km.
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