The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has been selected to lead submarine cable initiative. This project aims to enhance long-term observations of the Indian Ocean. The cable will span approximately 150 km and is to be installed west of Wandoor in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This observatory will be equipped with advanced sensors to monitor various oceanographic and geophysical parameters.
Project
The submarine cable observatory will include two science nodes. These nodes will be positioned at depths between 2,000 and 2,500 metres. The landing station will be established at Wandoor, serving as a control centre for real-time data acquisition. This initiative is expected to improve the understanding of ocean dynamics, seismic activities, and tsunami triggers.
Significance of the Observatory
The observatory will play important role in climate research. It will facilitate operational applications related to tsunami and storm surge early warning systems. This infrastructure is vital for monitoring seismic activities and understanding oceanographic changes.
Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme
INCOIS is involved in three key research projects under the Ocean Decade Tsunami Programme (ODTP). This initiative is led by the Inter-Governmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The projects aim to enhance knowledge of tsunami sources and improve monitoring and warning systems.
People Centred Tsunami Early Warning for India
Dr. T.M. Balakrishnan Nair is overseeing the People Centred Tsunami Early Warning for India (PCTWIN) project. This project focuses on improving disaster risk knowledge, detection, and forecasting. It aims to enhance communication and preparedness for tsunami threats.
Tsunami Ready Odisha Project
The Tsunami Ready Odisha (TRO) project aims to boost coastal community resilience. It enhances awareness and preparedness among coastal populations to protect lives and property from tsunami risks. The project collaborates with the Odisha State Disaster Management Agency (OSDMA) to implement tsunami hazard maps and evacuation plans.
Global Collaborations
INCOIS collaborates with various global institutions under the ODTP. The Flanders Marine Institute in Belgium is developing a sea level monitoring facility. The University of Hamburg is working on a Global Tsunami Model network. Cardiff University is developing a Global Real Time Early Alarm for Tsunami (GREAT) system. These collaborations enhance the overall effectiveness of tsunami monitoring and response.
Future Prospects
The submarine cable initiative and associated projects are expected to transform tsunami preparedness in India. By establishing a robust monitoring infrastructure, INCOIS aims to reduce the risks associated with tsunamis and improve community resilience.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the role of technology in enhancing early warning systems for natural disasters.
- Discuss the significance of international collaboration in oceanographic research and disaster management.
- Critically discuss the impact of climate change on oceanic phenomena and its implications for coastal communities.
- Analyse the effectiveness of community-based disaster preparedness programmes in mitigating the effects of tsunamis.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the role of technology in enhancing early warning systems for natural disasters.
- Advanced sensors and satellite technology provide real-time data for monitoring environmental changes.
- Data analytics and modeling improve prediction accuracy for events like tsunamis and storms.
- Communication technologies facilitate rapid dissemination of warnings to at-risk populations.
- Integration of IoT devices enhances situational awareness and response capabilities.
- Technological innovations lead to improved infrastructure resilience and preparedness strategies.
2. Discuss the significance of international collaboration in oceanographic research and disaster management.
- International partnerships enhance resource sharing and expertise in oceanographic studies.
- Collaborative research leads to comprehensive data collection and analysis on global ocean phenomena.
- Joint initiatives improve early warning systems and disaster preparedness across borders.
- Global networks facilitate the exchange of best practices and technological advancements.
- Such collaborations help in addressing transboundary challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
3. Critically discuss the impact of climate change on oceanic phenomena and its implications for coastal communities.
- Climate change leads to rising sea levels, increasing the risk of flooding in coastal areas.
- Ocean warming affects marine biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems and fishing industries.
- More frequent and intense storms pose threats to infrastructure and livelihoods in coastal regions.
- Altered ocean currents can impact weather patterns, affecting agriculture and water resources.
- Coastal communities face heightened vulnerability, necessitating adaptive strategies and resilience planning.
4. Analyse the effectiveness of community-based disaster preparedness programmes in mitigating the effects of tsunamis.
- Community engagement encourages local ownership and awareness of tsunami risks and response strategies.
- Training and drills enhance preparedness and improve response times during actual events.
- Access to hazard maps and evacuation plans empowers communities to act decisively in emergencies.
- Collaboration with local authorities ensures alignment of community efforts with broader disaster management frameworks.
- Successful programmes lead to reduced casualties and property loss, demonstrating their critical role in resilience building.
