Progress in Meteorological Studies Around Indian Stations in Antarctica

  • V K Soni et al. India Meteorological Department, Earth System Science Organisation, New Delhi 110 003

Abstract

The study of climate of Antarctica and its role in the Earth system is critically important as the region experiences change that has global implications. The climate of the continent and the surrounding ocean are closely coupled to other parts of the global environment by the ocean and the atmosphere. Subjects of immediate interest are forecasting of weather and climate and understanding the effects and likely impacts of climate change. India Meteorological Department is taking part in Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica since the very first expedition during 1981-82. The meteorological data collected at Maitri station for the period 1990-2015 have been analyzed. The long term analysis of temperature record showed a cooling trend at Maitri station. The trend analysis of pressure, wind and blizzards during the period 1990-2015 is also discussed. Recently, the India Meteorological Department has established manned permanent meteorological observatory at Bharati station with the objective to collect data on meteorological parameters, solar radiation and ozone so
as to understand the Antarctic atmospheric processes and dynamics. WMO has enlisted Meteorological Observatory at Bharati, and assigned WMO Index number 89776. A GPS-based ozonesonde system has also been installed at Bharati for measurement of vertical profile of ozone. IMD provides weather forecast of Maitri and Bharati stations.

Published
2017-05-05