Introduction

In Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level, India has established its first atmospheric monitoring station focused on studying cloud formation processes, particularly the formation of ice crystals within clouds and their impact on precipitation.

Ice Crystals in Clouds

• The station aims to address a gap in understanding the formation of ice crystals in clouds, which affects rainfall prediction accuracy, especially for extreme weather events.
• Ice nucleating particles (INPs) are critical as they initiate ice crystal formation in clouds, eventually leading to precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or hail.
• The study of INPs is complex due to their low atmospheric concentration, but understanding them is crucial for improving weather models.

Significance of Udhampur Centre

• This is India’s first facility focused on INPs, established by the Central University, Jammu, with the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Collaboration with ETH Zurich, Switzerland, enhances research through shared methodologies used in similar high-altitude conditions.
• Located at high altitude, the centre allows for natural observation of clouds, which is more efficient than airborne measurements.

Importance of INPs

• INPs can be mineral dust, soot, or biological particles such as bacteria and pollen. They have properties facilitating the conversion of water droplets into ice crystals.
• The presence of INPs can accelerate precipitation processes by causing ice crystal formation at temperatures as high as -5 to -10 degrees Celsius.
• Without INPs, water droplets may remain in a liquid state even at -35 degrees Celsius.
• Current cloud models make assumptions about INPs that need verification through detailed studies.

Broader Impact and Goals

• The Udhampur centre addresses the lack of weather observation infrastructure in the Himalayan region, a global climate hotspot.
• It will provide real-time data on weather parameters, including aerosol-cloud interactions and pollution levels.
• The facility aims to integrate into the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) network of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which offers standardized atmospheric data collection.
• Such remote and undisturbed locations are ideal for pristine atmospheric measurements, a requirement for global GAW stations.

Contributions to Climate Research

• India’s closest GAW station is in Nepal; the Udhampur centre could enhance India’s research capabilities in understanding Himalayan ecosystems.
• It represents a significant step in India’s global efforts to address climate concerns and underscores the importance of preserving the Himalayas, a crucial ecological zone.

Conclusion

Inaugurated by Jitendra Singh, the centre signifies a new era in climate research for India, emphasizing the global importance of understanding and preserving the Himalayan region.