ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH TESTBED (ART)
- The Silkheda Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) is an expansive open-field research program geared towards comprehensive observational and analytical studies.
- Its primary objective is to carry out on-site observations of various weather parameters including temperature, wind speeds, etc., as well as monitoring transient synoptic systems like low-pressure areas and depressions originating in the Bay of Bengal, particularly during the southwest monsoon season spanning from June to September.
- The research conducted at ART focuses on gathering extensive data over an extended duration, particularly concerning cloud parameters associated with these weather systems. This data is then utilized for comparative analysis with existing weather models, with the aim of enhancing accuracy in rainfall predictions.
- Additionally, the facility serves as a platform for calibrating and validating satellite-based observations integral to weather forecasting and prediction processes.
- Spanning across 100 acres, ART has been developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences with an investment of Rs 125 crore. Operations at the facility are overseen by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
- In its initial phase, the research involves remote sensing-based observations alongside in-situ measurements utilizing 25 meteorological instruments. Subsequent phases will see the deployment of additional instruments such as a radar wind profiler, balloon-bound radiosonde, and soil moisture and temperature measuring equipment
- Currently, 45% of India's workforce is engaged in the agricultural sector. A significant portion of Indian agriculture relies on rainfall, particularly in regions within the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), which stretches from Gujarat to West Bengal in central India.
- The southwest monsoon season contributes approximately 70% of the country's total annual rainfall, averaging 880mm.
- Across India, the primary cultivation for the Kharif season occurs predominantly between July and August, with average monthly rainfall of 280.4mm and 254.9mm, respectively, based on the 1971–2020 average.
- During this four-month period, various synoptic systems, such as low pressures or depressions, develop in the Bay of Bengal. These systems typically move westwards or northwestwards towards the Indian mainland, passing through the MCZ and resulting in significant rainfall
- Studies have established a correlation between the overall rainfall performance in India and the rainfall specifically received in the central India region, underscoring its significance.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues rainfall forecasts for the country's four distinct regions—north, west, east, and south peninsular India. Additionally, it provides a specialized forecast for the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), recognized as India's primary agricultural region.
- Nevertheless, there remains a limited understanding regarding the role played by synoptic systems, as well as their associated cloud physics, properties, and their overall contribution to augmenting monsoon rainfall.
- Central India serves as a natural laboratory for scientists and meteorologists to conduct hands-on research into Indian monsoons. Here, they can collect data and observations concerning related systems, clouds, and various atmospheric parameters.
- Furthermore, climate change is causing erratic rainfall patterns in tropical regions like India. It has also intensified low-pressure systems, which are exacerbated by high temperatures, resulting in exceptionally heavy rainfall along their path during the monsoon season.
- The establishment of the Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) will enable scientists to gather extensive and long-term data on cloud microphysics, precipitation, convection, land-surface properties, and other relevant parameters.
- This data will be integrated into numerical weather models to improve forecast accuracy, particularly in rainfall predictions. Enhanced forecasts will ultimately assist the agricultural community in better planning their activities
|
Madhya Pradesh
The ART has been established at Silkheda, a location that falls directly in line with the path of major rain-bearing synoptic systems. This will facilitate direct monitoring and tracking. Besides, the locality is pristine and free of anthropogenic and other pollutants, making it the best site in central India for setting up sensitive, high-end meteorological instruments and observatories for recording data. |
In order to maintain continuous surveillance of convection, cloud formations, precipitation, and to monitor significant modes of variability, the Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) is furnished with over twenty-four advanced instruments, including radars and various others. Standing at a height of 72 meters, ART will be home to India's tallest meteorological tower.
Among the deployed instruments are an aethalometer for conducting aerosol studies, a cloud condensation nuclei counter, a laser ceilometer designed to gauge cloud dimensions, a micro rain radar utilized for determining raindrop size and distribution, and both a Ka-band cloud radar and a C-band Doppler weather radar employed to track the movement of rain-carrying systems across this region.
6. Way Forward
Among the instruments deployed at ART are cutting-edge tools such as an aethalometer for aerosol studies, a cloud condensation nuclei counter, a laser ceilometer for measuring cloud sizes, a micro rain radar for analyzing raindrop characteristics and distribution, as well as Ka-band and C-band Doppler weather radars utilized for tracking the movement of rain-bearing systems across the region
Source: Indianexpress
