India Unveils Its First High-Altitude Climate Research Facility in J&K
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Synopsis
On April 8, 2023, Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated India's first high-altitude climate research station at Nathatop in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant advancement in climate science.
Key Takeaways
- First high-altitude climate research station in India.
- Located in Nathatop, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Collaboration between India and Switzerland on the ICE-CRUNCH project.
- Focus on studying ice nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei.
- Centre aims to advance climate modeling and train young scientists.
Jammu, April 8 (NationPress) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh officially launched the nation's inaugural high-altitude climate research station in Nathatop, located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
This advanced facility, positioned at one of the region's highest elevations, is anticipated to become a pivotal hub for innovative climate research in the northwestern Himalayas.
"Today, India establishes a portal into climate forecasting and research within the Himalayas," Dr. Singh remarked during the inauguration ceremony.
He further stated, "This initiative represents a significant leap in India's global stature in climate science."
Dr. Singh also inaugurated the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Project “ICE-CRUNCH (Investigating ice nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei properties in the North-Western Himalayas)."
This collaborative effort between Indian scientists and researchers from ETH Zurich, Switzerland, aims to delve into the characteristics of ice nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei in the area.
Describing it as a “historic moment,” Dr. Singh noted that the centre creates "a new portal into climate research and studies in the Himalayas. India will lead the way."
The Nathatop centre, situated at an altitude of 2,250 meters above sea level, is the result of a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Jammu and Kashmir government, which provided the land.
Researchers from the Central University of Jammu will collaborate with scientists from the Swiss National Science Foundation.
This site was strategically selected due to its clean air and low pollution levels, offering a unique environment to study atmospheric processes in free tropospheric conditions — essential for understanding cloud formation, weather patterns, and aerosol interactions.
The Centre’s initial measurements will be conducted under ICE-CRUNCH, where Indian and Swiss scientists will examine ice-nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei.
These investigations are vital for comprehending the influence of aerosols on cloud microphysics and their broader effects on climate systems and precipitation in the Himalayan region.
In addition to scientific research, the Centre is expected to foster capacity building, train young scientists, and enhance climate modeling skills within India, as stated by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
