GS Paper 3: Science and Technology, Achievements of Indians in Science and Technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology, Awareness in the field of IT, space, Disaster and disaster management
Contents of Today’s Article:
- Definition and Functionality of Radar
- X-band Radar: Features and Significance
- Overview of India’s Radar Technology
- Conclusion
Context:
Following the catastrophic floods and landslides that ravaged Wayanad district in Kerala in July 2024, resulting in the tragic loss of over 200 lives, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences sanctioned the installation of an X-band radar system in Wayanad. The landslides were exacerbated by intense rainfall and significant debris flow, underscoring the need for improved disaster management strategies. The new radar is anticipated to enhance early warning systems, enabling more effective responses to future natural disasters in the region.
Understanding Radar: Function and Mechanism
RADAR, an acronym for Radio Detection and Ranging, operates by sending out radio waves toward an object and analyzing the returned signals to ascertain the object’s distance, speed, and other characteristics. In meteorology, radar serves a vital role in observing weather patterns. It transmits signals towards cloud formations, and the echoes generated help meteorologists evaluate cloud movement, rainfall intensity, and wind dynamics.
A common type of radar utilized for meteorological purposes is Doppler radar, which employs the Doppler effect—the change in frequency of a wave as it relates to the observer’s motion—to provide information on weather conditions.
What is an X-band Radar System?
X-band radar system functions within the 8-12 GHz frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum, corresponding to wavelengths between 2-4 centimetres. This specific wavelength allows for enhanced resolution imaging, making it particularly effective in detecting smaller particles, such as raindrops and soil movements, which are critical for issuing landslide warnings.
While X-band radar systems offer high-resolution imagery, they do have a limited range compared to lower-frequency radar systems due to greater frequency attenuation. In Wayanad, the newly installed X-band radar system will facilitate high temporal sampling, meaning it will swiftly capture and analyze data. This capability is essential for identifying and monitoring particle movements, enabling timely alerts for landslides and other potential hazards.
The Need for an X-band Radar in Wayanad
Wayanad is highly susceptible to natural disasters, particularly landslides and floods, which are frequently triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall. The region’s mountainous terrain and soil composition render it particularly vulnerable to such events. The introduction of an X-band radar system in Wayanad will greatly bolster the area’s capacity to monitor soil movement and deliver real-time alerts regarding imminent disasters.
The installation of the X-band radar system in Wayanad can help mitigate disaster risks through:
- Tracking Rainfall Intensity and Wind Speeds: Enhanced monitoring of meteorological conditions.
- Monitoring Soil Movement: Critical for predicting landslides based on real-time data.
- Providing Early Warnings: Timely alerts can be issued to authorities and local communities, potentially saving lives.
India’s Radar Network: A Historical Perspective
India’s journey with radar technology for weather forecasting began in the early 1950s, with the first indigenously designed X-band radar installed in New Delhi in 1970. Over the years, the country’s radar network has expanded significantly, incorporating various radar types for diverse applications:
- X-band Radars: Primarily used for storm detection and wind assessments due to their capability to detect small particles with high resolution.
- S-band Radars: Operating in the 2-4 GHz frequency range, these radars are designed for long-range detection. The first S-band radar for cyclone detection was set up in Visakhapatnam in 1970.
In September 2024, the Indian government initiated a ₹2,000 crore project named Mission Mausam to upgrade its radar infrastructure, aiming to install up to 60 new radars by 2026 in its initial phase. This upgrade includes the addition of 56 more Doppler radars over the coming years to enhance weather forecasting and early warning systems nationwide.
NISAR Technology: Advancing Radar Capabilities
In addition to deploying X-band radars, India is collaborating with NASA on an ambitious project known as NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). Scheduled for launch in 2025, this satellite will utilize L-band and S-band radars to map Earth’s landmasses and monitor environmental shifts.
NISAR aims to track surface changes caused by natural events such as landslides, earthquakes, and glacial movements. With a budget of $1.5 billion, this initiative underscores the increasing significance of radar technology in comprehensively understanding environmental dynamics.
Conclusion:
The establishment of the X-band radar system in Wayanad represents a crucial advancement in disaster preparedness for Kerala, particularly in a region vulnerable to landslides and heavy rainfall. This radar will significantly enhance real-time monitoring of weather conditions, facilitating critical early warnings that could save lives.
As India continues to develop and modernize its radar infrastructure through initiatives like Mission Mausam and the NISAR project, the country will be better equipped to respond effectively to natural disasters and minimize their impact on communities.
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