Cloud Chamber Under Mission Mausam

Table of Contents

About Cloud Chamber

A cloud chamber is a closed, cylindrical drum in which conditions like water vapour, aerosols, humidity, and temperature are controlled to study cloud formation.
India is constructing a cloud chamber with convection properties specifically designed to study Indian monsoon clouds. There are only a few similar convective cloud chambers available worldwide.
Purpose of the Convective Cloud Chamber:
- Analyse the formation of rain droplets and ice particles.
- Investigate the effects of cyclones, low-pressure systems, and inter-cloud layer interactions.
- Understanding how Indian monsoon clouds form and behave, which is essential for future weather modification strategies.

Cloud Chamber Under Mission Mausam

As part of Mission Mausam, India plans to establish a cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, to study cloud formation and behavior, especially under monsoon conditions. This chamber will simulate atmospheric conditions by injecting water vapor and aerosols into a closed cylindrical space with controlled humidity and temperature. By examining seed particles that lead to cloud droplets and ice formation, scientists aim to gain insights into cloud physics relevant to India’s weather systems. Building on past cloud seeding experiences from CAIPEEX, this cloud chamber will help refine rainfall management techniques and improve weather forecasting for extreme events like hail, fog, and lightning, boosting India’s climate resilience.

What is Mission Mausam?

Mission Mausam is an Indian government initiative to improve the nation’s weather and climate science infrastructure to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. The mission integrates next-generation technologies like advanced radar systems, satellite sensors, and supercomputers to ensure accurate and timely weather forecasts. Implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Mission Mausam is designed to boost India’s research, development, and capacity-building efforts in atmospheric sciences, thereby enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience across multiple sectors.

Key Objectives:

Advanced Weather Forecasting: Utilize next-generation radars, satellite systems, and supercomputers for precise forecasting.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Support sectors like agriculture, disaster management, aviation, health, tourism, transport, and urban planning.
Research and Capacity Building: Expand R&D in atmospheric sciences, including AI and ML-based predictive modeling.
Sector-Wide Impact: Aid resilience in agriculture, defense, power, and water resources by providing real-time data and weather alerts.

Implementing Bodies:

India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

These bodies, along with support from other national and international institutions, will drive Mission Mausam’s objectives under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). This collaboration strengthens India’s stance as a global leader in climate services while protecting lives, infrastructure, and ecosystems.