The Indian Government has approved the continuation of an important scheme aimed at enhancing weather, climate, and ocean forecasts. Known as Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS), this initiative will be continued from 2017 through to 2020. The scheme features nine sub-schemes, dedicated to improving services that include climate warnings for natural phenomena like cyclone, heat waves, storm surges, and thunderstorms.
ACROSS: A Government-Sanctioned Initiative
The ACROSS scheme is a government project ratified by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. As an umbrella organization, ACROSS oversees the implementation of nine sub-schemes, all targeted at advancing weather and climate research and modelling observing systems & services.
It is implemented via four prominent scientific institutions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. These are the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS).
Each institution plays a critical role in spearheading various facets of the scheme, delivering improved weather, climate, and ocean-related services.
A Glance at the ACROSS Sub-Schemes
The ACROSS scheme’s components are far-reaching, tackling multiple areas of atmospheric and oceanic science. The sub-schemes under ACROSS deal with several high-impact weather events, including cyclones, heat waves, storm surges, and thunderstorms. They play a pivotal role in not only forecasting these harsh weather conditions but also providing timely warnings to prepare and mitigate potential risks.
Establishment of the National Facility for Airborne Research (NFAR)
Alongside the ongoing ACROSS scheme, the government has also sanctioned the establishment of the National Facility for Airborne Research (NFAR). This additional component will strengthen the ACROSS scheme by conducting airborne measurements and observations integral to atmospheric science.
| Area of Research | Description |
|---|---|
| Aerosol Sampling | Research on airborne microscopic particles in the atmosphere |
| Measurement of Cloud Properties | Study the physical properties of clouds, such as size, concentration, and distribution |
| Cloud Physics | A field of meteorology that focusses on the physical processes that govern the formation, growth, and precipitation of clouds |
| Convective Tropical Convergence Zone (CTCZ) | Research on the narrow zone on Earth where trade winds of Northern and Southern Hemispheres come together |
| Atmospheric Chemistry | Study of the chemical composition of the natural atmosphere, the way gases, liquids, and solid particles interact with each other and with the Earth’s surface and radiation fields |
Future Prospects of NFAR and ACROSS
The NFAR stands to provide a significant boost to the depth of research undertaken by the ACROSS scheme. It offers a platform for extensive airborne experiments concerning aerosol sampling, cloud properties & physics, CTCZ, and atmospheric chemistry. These critical areas of study will further sharpen climate and weather forecasting capabilities of India, providing a scientific basis to address various relevant environmental issues.