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Cloud Observatories in India - List of Observatory in India & Instruments

Last Updated on May 11, 2023
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Cloud Observatories are facilities that are set up to study the clouds, their behavior, and their impact on weather patterns. These help us understand the complex processes that occur within the Earth's atmosphere. Hence, these have become an important tool for meteorologists and climate scientists. Cloud observatories use a variety of instruments and techniques to measure and observe different aspects of clouds. 

Advanced technology and data analysis can assist in discovering the Earth's climate and weather patterns. They can also help predict how they may change in the future. 

This topic of Cloud Observatories in India is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination which falls under General Studies Paper 3 (mains) and General Studies Paper 1 (Preliminary) and particularly in the Science and Technology section. In this article, we will explore the importance of cloud observatories.

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Cloud Observatories in India Recent News
  • In order to prevent and monitor cloudburst incidents in the Himalayan region and assist with damage reduction, a Himalayan Cloud Observatory was established in the Swami Ram Tirth Campus (SRT), Tehri district of Uttarakhand and is now in the testing period.
  • This is the country’s second high-altitude observatory, built by the Indian Science and Technology Department and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.

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What is a Cloud Observatory?

A Cloud Observatory is a facility that is designed for the study and analysis of clouds and their behavior. It uses a range of tools and instruments to collect data about the physical and chemical properties of clouds. This includes their composition, temperature, and humidity. The data collected by cloud observatories can be used to improve our understanding of weather patterns and climate change. It can assist in developing more accurate forecasting models.

The goal of cloud observatories in India is to gain a better knowledge of the interactions between clouds, convection, and circulation, as well as their significance in a cloudburst.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Types of Clouds for UPSC!

Purpose of Cloud Observatory

To study the behavior of clouds at considerable altitudes, cloud observatories in India are set up. Some of the primary purposes are as follows:

  • The purpose of the cloud observatory in India is to collect weather data and use observations to enhance understanding and test ideas concerning high-altitude activities such as cloud formation and cloud direction.
  • Reduce climatic risk in the country’s four climate-sensitive zones, namely the Himalayan Region, the Western Ghats, the North Eastern Region, and the Coastal Areas, to mitigate the impact on agriculture, water, forests, and health.

Cloud Observatories in India

Cloud Observatory in India

An Overview

Munnar Cloud Observatory 
  • The cloud physics observatory is at a high altitude (at an altitude of 1820 m above sea level).
  • Location – Rajamallay, near Munnar, Kerala.
  • Munnar cloud observatory is 5 km away from Anamudi (2695 m) – the highest Peak in the Western Ghats.
  • South Asia’s highest elevation observatory in a tropical area.

Breamore Cloud Observatory
  • Mid-altitude observatory (altitude of about 400 m above sea level and 40 km from the NCESS observatory).
  • The Braemore observatory was established in 2009.
  • Location – The Western slope of the Western Ghats in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.

NCESS Campus Observatory
  • Location – Near the Akkulam backwater system (20m above sea level).
  • It is 3 Km away from – the coast of the Arabian Sea.

Tehri Cloud Observatory
  • Established – On 8th February 2019
  • Location – Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand.
  • To forecast and monitor – Cloudburst incidents in the Himalayan region and help minimize the damage.
  • The testing phase is currently underway.
  • 2nd observatory in India to monitor cloud activities by – the Indian Science and Technology Department and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Climate of India for UPSC!

Types of Instruments used in Cloud Observatories in India

Cloud observatories in India use various types of instruments to monitor and study clouds. Some of the commonly used instruments are:

Automatic Weather Station

Source : NCESS

The automatic weather station measures the Temperature, Relative humidity, Air pressure, Rainfall, Solar radiation, UV radiation, Wind speed, and Direction. The observation is sampled every minute.

Ceilometers

Source : NCESS

 

These are laser-based instruments used to measure the height of cloud bases. They emit a laser beam vertically, and the time taken for the reflected signal to return is measured. This gives the height of the cloud base. Ceilometers are widely used in airports to provide information about the cloud ceiling height to pilots.

Radiometers

These are used to measure the amount of radiation that is reflected, transmitted, or absorbed by clouds. Radiometers use different wavelengths of light to study the cloud properties. These include the cloud size, shape, and amount of liquid or ice content.

LIDARs

Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) instruments emit a laser beam at a cloud. They then measure the reflected light to determine the cloud properties. LIDARs are particularly useful in studying the vertical distribution of clouds. They can also provide information on the cloud's optical and microphysical properties.

Disdrometers 

Source : NCESS

These are used to measure the size and velocity of raindrops. Disdrometers have a collection area that captures raindrops. The time taken for the drops to fall from one level to another is measured. This gives the size and velocity of the drops. Disdrometers can also provide information on the amount of rainfall.

Spectrometers

These are used to measure the spectral distribution of light emitted by clouds. Spectrometers can provide information on the composition of clouds, including:

  • the amount of water vapor and 
  • aerosols present in the atmosphere.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Climate of India for UPSC!

Uses of Cloud Observatories in India

Let’s have a look at some of the most prevalent reasons for using cloud observatories in India:

  • To monitor convective thundercloud formation.
  • To monitor associated weather lightning phenomenon.
  • To monitor the activities of clouds at high altitudes.
  • To monitor the wind speed and direction of the clouds.
  • To monitor & study hypotheses related to the role of tropical clouds and convection in a particular tropical climate system.

Need for Cloud Observatories In India

India is a monsoon oriented country; there has been a significant increase in cloudburst episodes across the western Himalayas and the west coast of India in recent years. Some of the requirements for constructing these kinds of cloud observatories in India are as follows:

  • According to a study by Down to Earth based on media sources, at least 26 cloudbursts happened in the Himalayan region between January and July 29, 2021.
  • This increased the need for more reliable alert systems, like doppler weather radar and the cloudburst Observatory.
  • Cloud observatories in India are ideal for detecting potential cloudbursts on a real-time time basis, especially if they can track the air pressure and moisture from mountain regions and aid in mitigating these catastrophes.
  • The Cloud Observatories in India network would not only increase prediction accuracy but would also allow the IMD to provide such a service in more hilly and remote places.

Click on the link to download the notes on the Climate of India for UPSC!

Conclusion

Cloud observatories play a crucial role in studying and understanding cloud dynamics and their impact on weather patterns and climate change. These facilities enable researchers to gather data that can help improve weather forecasting. There is an increasing importance of climate change research. Hence cloud observatories are likely to become even more essential in the years to come. By continuing to invest in these facilities, we can deepen our understanding of the complex processes that govern our planet's weather and climate and take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change.

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Previous Years Mains Questions

Q1. Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India, departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC Mains 2020 – GS Paper 3)

Q2. With reference to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, discuss the measures to be adopted to mitigate the impact of recent incidents of cloudbursts in many places of Uttarakhand. (UPSC Mains 2016 – GS Paper 3)

We hope all your doubts regarding “Cloud Observatories in India” are addressed after going through this article. Testbook provides comprehensive notes for different competitive examinations. It has always assured the quality of its product, like content pages, live tests, GK and current affairs, mocks, and so on. Ace your preparation with the Testbook App!

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Cloud Observatories in India FAQs

To comprehend the impact of clouds over time, we require reliable cloud data. Observatories that collect data on clouds allow us to learn about the temperature, moisture, and wind conditions at various altitudes in the atmosphere. The weather can be predicted using this information.

Clouds are significant for a variety of reasons. These include the elements of snow and rain. Clouds reflect heat at night, keeping the ground warmer. Clouds create a shadow during the day that can help keep us cooler. Thus, NASA learns more about clouds to better comprehend Earth's weather. NASA studies clouds using satellites in orbit.

Understanding clouds is important for forecasting weather, modeling the effects of future climate change, and estimating water resource availability.

To research the processes of cloud formation and precipitation, the high-altitude Cloud Observatory in India uses physical instruments such as a ceilometer (an optical backscatter), a laser-optical disdrometer, all-sky infrared imaging, and micro rain radar.

Cloudbursts occur when drenched clouds are unable to produce rain due to the upward movement of a very hot current of air.
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