Ministry of Earth Sciences initiatives towards Pro-People Services BETTER MONSOON PREDICTIONS, MODERNISATION OF MET DEPARTMENT, WELL EQUIPPTED TSUNAMI WARNING CENTRE, CENTRE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE, SAGAR NIDHI RESEARCH VESSEL AND HIMADRI THE NEW STATION IN THE ARCTIC
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YEAR ENDER 2008 Ministry of Earth Sciences Considerable progress has been achieved under several programmes/schemes of the Ministry. However, the most significant achievements and initiatives during 2008 are highlighted below: (i) Atmospheric science, information & services: Towards monsoon prediction for the year 2008-09, a great deal of modeling efforts has gone into. The overall forecast all India rainfall issued in April and June were 99% and 100% of the Long Period Average compared to 98% actual. Thus the performance of IMD model turned out to be quite accurate. Both onset and rainfall forecast given in April 2008 were found to be quite reasonable. A new technique of intra-seasonal variability has been studied to understand the active and break monsoon spells during the year. During the period, 11 low pressure systems were monitored including 1 deep depression, 3 depressions and 7 lows formed over the Indian region and the north Indian Ocean during monsoon season (June-September), 2008 The genesis of 8 out of 11 systems were predicted by IMD about 2-3 days in advance. The forecast for extreme event of heavy rainfall occurred in May 2008 was done 3 days ahead and observations are found to be accurate. Under the agromet services, the district level weather forecast & advisories started from June 2008, which was issued after value addition from Regional Met. Centres (RMCs) / Met. Centres (MCs). The information is being sent through 130 AgroMet Field Units (AMFUs) located in various districts. The State Level Composite Agromet Advisory Service (AAS) Bulletins are prepared by State MCs, where as the National Agromet Advisory Bulletins are prepared by the National Agromet Advisory Service Centre, IMD, Pune. With regard to aviation services, the major work taken up were installation of Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological Systems ( IAAMS) in 8 airports including Delhi (Runway 27 and New Runway 29-11), Mumbai (All runways), Jaipur, Hyderabad (HIAL), Bangalore (BIAL) and initiation of upgrading 20 more airports. The implementation of phase-1 of moderinsation include installation of 550 Automatic Weather Station, 1350 Automatic Rain Guages, 10 IMS – 1500 stations, 5 GPS stations, new Optical & electronic theodolites, development of new generation Radio Sonde and AWS instruments, and 12 Doppler Weather Radars. As a part of ongoing scheme of satellite meteorology, IMD had carried out work on reception and processing unit for INSAT-3D, NOAA/MODIS/Metop satellite, and 5 Nos. GPS based IPWV measure equipment installed at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati and Chennai. Under environmental studies, work carried out include rain Water chemistry measurements at 10 stations, Ozone monitoring from existing 7 stations including one at Antarctica, New Ozone Sonde stations at Port Blair and Guwahati for measuring vertical profiles of Ozone, Upgradation of surface ozone measurements, Archival of environmental data along with metadata for scientific research and applications. (ii) Geosphere & seismological hazards: The Tsunami warning centre is now equipped to give a warning with 15 minutes of occurrence of earth quake anywhere in the Indian ocean which is a remarkable achievement. Infact, the tsunami warning centre had monitored a major earthquake during September 2008, which has been used as test for the centre, by providing timely advisories. Another main mandate of IMD is to provide information in earthquakes under which a total number of earthquakes monitored (detected/located) during the period which include Local events: 157, Regional events: 188, and Distant events: 233. The magnitudes of the earthquakes estimates by IMD are very much consistence with the estimates made by USGS. Besides, seismic History and Seismicity for 33 projects were prepared for various Hydro Electric and other projects for different users. As a part of microzonation about 70 cities to be covered with small units of likely uniform hazard level and nature, based on geoscientific, geotechnical, seismological and engineering seismological parameters which would be on 1:50000 scale and detailed level on 1: 10,000 scale. (iii) Ocean science & services: One of the major programme of the Ministry is to acquire ocean observations in real-time from the seas around India. Under this programme, two sets of 11 and 14 each data buoys deployed in the Arabian Sea the Bay of Bengal in April-May and July & October 2008, respectively A Real time data reception at INCOIS achieved through INSAT was achieved. Currently, about 93 Argo floats deployed by India are working in the Indian Ocean. Over 18 Drifting Buoys were made operational besides, collection of data from 3 Current meter moorings deployed in the equatorial Indian ocean. Under XBT campaign about 16 XBT cruises: 16 BoB- 12 (162 profile), Lakshadweep – 5 (59 profile) and deployed 2 Wave ride buoys one each on east and west coast of India. The major activity of INCOIS was to give ocean state forecast during the year significant Wave & swell height, Direction using SW model were made operational at a resolution: 0.5 x 0.5, Duration: Forecast for 10 days, Interval: 3 hours, for Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, South China Sea, Red Sea, Persian Gulf and Southern Indian Ocean (60° S). In addition, location specific models for the forecast for Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Pondicherry have been set up. The Validation shows promising results. Recognizing the importance of Ocean modeling activities for operational forecast a number of experiments were carried out during this period which includes studies on remotely forced component even at periods as short as 10 days and water depth as shallow as 10-20m along the West India Coastal, analysis of spatio-temporal variability of the East India coastal current using Coastal altimetry data, setting up of basin scale model for the region 30ºS-30ºN and 30º -120º E, fine tuning of two high resolution coastal models using Princeton Ocean Model (POM) for the east and west coast of India, setting up of a newly developed next generation mesoscale model (Weather Research and Forecasting) few numerical experiments. The Upper ocean response of Nargis cyclone was analysed in conjunction with recently deployed flux mooring. The analysis indicated that the upper ocean heat content along the track of Nargis was high as the cyclone moves towards Myanmar and hence the intensity of the cyclone increased. Besides, several data products were generated viz., MODIS – Aqua data products, chlorophyll a, SST, K_490 and TSM, for the period Apr-Sep, 2008. The daily, weekly and monthly composite images for the months from Apr to Sep 2008 were generated and displayed on web. The base map for disseminating MODIS – Aqua near real time (NRT) data were implemented upto 40º S to cover the countries Sri Lanka, Maldives, Iran, Kenya, Oman, Tanzania and Thailand. The red tide index (RTI) algorithm was incorporated in SeaDAS and is currently being evaluated for live MODIS data sets and is undergoing further testing. The oil-spill detection exercise was continued using MODIS – Aqua high resolution data, in optical and IR bands. The goal of the exercise is to publish the results. The number of users of INCOIS website had gone up from 5000 to over 27000. (iv) Climate Science: The Ministry has taken up a programme to set up a dedicated centre at Pune to address various scientific issues relating to climate change including impacts on sectors like health, agriculture and water. The main objectives of Climate change centre is to address issues relating to science aspects particularly on Observations (GHG emissions like carbon, di-oxide, methane, CFCs, nitrous oxide etc), Physical Processes, Modelling, Data Products, Impact Assessment and Climate scenarios and Outreach. With the mandate to explore and assess targeted science-facets of climate change that are of high relevance for the Indian region, along with their global linkages through the creation of a research infrastructure to be coordinated by a exclusive program on climate change science, integrate existing research groups and develop new groups through the development of institutional research network, developing collaborative linkages with international institutions and research groups to enhance research capabilities, coordinate systematic observation program for climate change related parameters including fluxes, over Indian region and ocean in the neighbourhood. (v) Polar Science & Cryosphere: Polar Science activities included mainly expedition to Antarctic, glacial ice retrieval, bathymetry studies conducted in the 3rd Antarctic station, Southern ocean studies etc., The important activities under the programme during the period include preparation for launch of 28th expedition has left on Nov. 23, 2008, enter into an agreement with M/s. Nicholas Piramal to work on Biotechnological application on strains isolated from Antarctic samples, establish video conferencing facility between NCAOR and Maitri, operation of Himadri, new station established in the Arctic. The preparation have also been made to the Southern ocean expedition, third in series scheduled for Jan.2009 to conduct a multi-disciplinary studies looking for filling of gaps in scientific information related to biogeochemical changes in carbonate/silicate chemistry and study sinks for CO2 by looking at sedimentary evidences/present day structure & how the biological pump must have operated during glacial episodes. (vi) Ocean technology: The major accomplishments under the projects are (i) Desalination (operational, technology demonstration), (ii) Deep Ocean Mining (poly-metalic nodules)(ii) Energy (Gas hydrate) and (iii) Coastal Engineering. The major work includes LTTD plant of 1 LLPD using waste heat from thermal power plants being installed for the first time in North Chennai Thermal Power Station – EDC Dec 2008 and putting up LTTD plants in three more islands in Lakshadweep( Agatti, Androth and Minicoy) schedule for commission within One year design commenced, new 10 MLD Offshore LTTD plant. The Coastal Engineering Sustainable Shoreline management work include site characterisation studies with Bathymetry, Geophysical surveys, Current, wave, tide observations at Ennore, Towards development Of Support Submersible Ss2500, the land based trials have been completed and Launching and Recovering System (LARS) commissioned onboard Sagar Nidhi ROSUB 6000 mts demonstrated at a depth of 1100 mt. off Chennai. Under the development Of Autonomous Coring System, the design review of ACS completed and fabrication of ACS commenced. One of the important mandate of NIOT is to develop S&T products for operational at the Islands of the Indian. The major achievements include demonstration of fattening of lobster/crabs of Cobia fish weighing 55 and 63 g which can grow upto 510 and 650 g, respectively, within 110days, development of 32 species of microalgae for exploration of biolipid and biochemicals production, collection of over 10 species of seaweeds for screening for potential antifouling compounds. (vii) Coastal Marine Ecology services: PFZ services were extended for non-ban period to both east and west coast by INCOIS in addition to initiation of experimental based species specific forecast based on both Satellite and In-situ information on various parameters to the selected group of fishermen and obtaining feed back on Tuna Fish Catch Data from the Fishery community. A Methodology has been derived for identification of Tuna Fish aggregation zones. The Marine living centre at kochi had prepared CDs on Marine Mammals seasonal and climatological Atlas for Indian EEZ and conducted a National Seminar & Training on Acoustics for fish & plankton biomass estimation. This centre also monitored the harmful algal blooms in various coastal waters such as Noctiluca bloom off Kochi (30 Kms area)-(10-18 Sep 08), Noctiluca bloom (20 Kms wide) off Goa. (3-5 Oct 08),bloom of Gonyaulax sp. off Manglore (8-10 Oct 08). As a part of monitoring of marine pollution, the work carried out along Indian coasts except for Goa and Mumbai which suggests that pollution trends remain same in hot spot locations such as Vizag, Kochi. Besides, oil spill modeling were initiated for Chennai and Dhahanu including development of marine pollution data base completed for 7 sites for web based dissemination. (viii) Non-living resources (ocean): The new activities initiated during the current year are (i) Hydrothermal Sulphides aims at Characterization of slow spreading Carlsberg ridges, Andaman Subduction zone in terms of tectonic, volcanic and hydrothermal processes and to delineate the zones of hydrothermal mineralization, and their relation with seafloor and sub seafloor ecosystems. (ii) Cobalt Crusts Exploration primarily to identify areas of occurrence of cobalt-enriched ferromanganese crusts, assessment of resource potential of co-rich deposits on Afanasiy-Nikitin seamount in the Afanasiy-Nikitin Seamount region. Under the existing programme of CLCS, a comprehensive Technical report on the Indian claim with respect to CLCS finalized and besides carrying out marine geophysical surveys in and off the EEZ of Myanmar for the delineation of the outer limits of the country’s Continental Shelf. (ix) Research Vessels: The Ministry has a set of research vessels to carry to a wide range of oceanographic research activities. Viz., Sagar Kanya, Sampada, Nidhi, Manjusha and coastal research vessels like Purvi and Paschami. To harness various non-living resources in a sustainable way, a suitable platform like Technology Demonstration Vessel(TDV) is essential. Sagar Nidhi equipped with the state-of-the art facility, was dedicated to the nation in March 2008 which was made fully operational. This new facility will also cater to shallow water survey, and act as a supply and support platform for the various deep ocean activities planned by the Ministry. This vessel will serve as a platform for the programme envisaged in the XI Plan and also serve as a utility science vessel which will augment the capacity needs of the marine living and non-living resources programme of the Department. The NIOT, Chennai is the nodal agency to implement this programme and to operate and maintain the vessel. Each vessel has been acquired for specific research. From the cruise plans available, it can be seen that most of the vessels are fully utilized for the purpose they been acquired. (x) Outreach: Efforts are underway to identify a suitable private partner for implementation of various programmes. A new extra mural scheme for supporting the R&D projects in the Earth Sciences had been launched besides implementation of the existing programmes on Ocean Science and Technology. (xi) Dedicated Weather Channel: Recognizing the importance of day to day weather information for the development of the country in various centres namely, Aviation, Tourism, Defence, Transport, Power, Sports and other socio economic events, the Ministry has decided to launch a state-of-the-art weather channel for providing the information on 24X7 basis. The various expertises available in the research, observations, modeling and communication would form an integral part of the endeavour. (xii) Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX): Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), launched a new programme for conducting a coordinated sustained national programme of cloud studies designed to reduce the knowledge gaps in the cloud microphysics is required. Cloud seeding experiments can be a part of major cloud physics programme. Aerosols play an important role in the earth-atmosphere energy balance and cloud formations. Thus additionally, there are requirements of aerosol observations for understanding aerosol-cloud interactions. To address these problems, special cloud, aerosol observations over different parts of the country are essential. In this regard scientific and technical resources in the country are required to bring together to have an observational programme to focus on the key uncertainties in aerosol distribution and rain formation processes. Research work carried out during last one year at IITM Pune has contributed to the studies relating to severe weather systems affecting Indian subcontinent, Asian monsoon variability and predictability, application of satellite data in weather forecasting, climate modelling and dynamics, regional aspects of global climate change using instrumental and proxy climate records, short-term and long-term climate diagnostics and prediction, hydrological modeling, cloud modeling, theoretical understanding of atmospheric and oceanic circulation, atmospheric monitoring and air pollution studies through LIDAR, radiometric and spectrometric remote sensing systems, middle atmosphere and chemical climate, atmospheric boundary layer experiments, atmospheric electrical characteristics, development of simulation techniques in cloud physics and surface observations of atmospheric electricity and electrical properties of clouds. ********** PRA/SKK