GS-3: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Mission Mausam was launched by the Government of India in September 2024. The initiative aims to improve weather forecasting and manage specific meteorological phenomena. The mission aims to control rain, hail, fog and subsequent lightning.
EXPLANATION:
About Mission Mausam:
- It is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to tremendously boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services.
- Implemented by the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting will primarily implement Mission Mausam.
- It will exponentially expound research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, especially weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting, and management. By integrating advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, and cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning.
o Its focus will include improving observations and understanding for providing highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, including monsoon forecasts, alerts for air quality, extreme weather events and cyclones, weather interventions for managing fog, hail, and rain, etc., capacity building and generating awareness.
- A key element of this initiative is the establishment of a first-of-its-kind cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune. This chamber will allow for in-depth research on cloud physics, particularly focusing on monsoon clouds.
What is a Cloud Chamber?
- A cloud chamber is a closed cylindrical or tubular device where water vapor, aerosols, and other elements are introduced.
- Under controlled humidity and temperature, clouds form inside the chamber, enabling scientists to study cloud droplets, ice particles, and seed particles.
- Unlike basic cloud chambers in other countries, India’s cloud chamber will feature convection properties, essential for studying Indian monsoon clouds.
Application:
-
- Scientists will use the cloud chamber to customize physical and atmospheric parameters, closely simulating Indian weather and climate conditions.
- This controlled environment will help in understanding monsoon cloud behavior.
- Over the next 18-24 months, advanced instrumentation will be developed to monitor and probe these conditions.
Significance of the Cloud Physics:
- Cloud physics involves understanding cloud behavior under normal and extreme conditions, studying intra-particle interactions, and analyzing the formation of rain droplets and ice particles.
- The knowledge gained from studying cloud physics will be critical for planning weather modification strategies.
Source:
Spread the Word