India developing a new Earth system model to improve forecasts, track climate crisis impacts
- The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) is collaborating with the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) to develop India's first Earth System Model (ESM).
Development of Earth System Model
- The Earth System Model integrates various components of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, ocean, land, ice, and biosphere.
- Objective: To provide reliable future projections of global and regional climate, with a specific focus on Indian monsoon rainfall.
- An allocation of ₹192.28 crores has been sanctioned under the Monsoon Convection, Clouds and Climate Change (MC4) sub-scheme for developing the climate forecasting system.
Functionality of Earth System Model
- The ESM is designed as an open-source software to simulate interactions among different Earth system components.
- It utilizes numerical weather prediction and data assimilation techniques for accurate climate change predictions.
- The IITM-ESM incorporates elements from the Climate Forecast System (CFS) of the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP, USA) to enhance its capabilities.
- The development of the model is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed by 2025.
Significance of Earth System Model
- It will aid in understanding the complexities of climate change, particularly focusing on the Indian subcontinent, with its diverse geographical features.
- By addressing regional climate change aspects, the model aims to provide policy-relevant information based on robust scientific analysis and assessments.
Prelims Takeaway
- Earth System Model
- Monsoon Convection, Clouds and Climate Change (MC4) sub-scheme