Policy Update
Pranathi Poreddy
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The National Center For Earth Sciences is a premiere research institute dealing with the studies relating to the Earth Center ,under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoeS) The main areas of research in the Center are Earth System Dynamics and Earth Science Applications. Initiated in 1978, by Prof. C. Karunkaran, the mission of this center is to expedite the process of multidisciplinary research into the Solid Earth Sciences and also Earth Science expeditions for effective natural resource management, disaster mitigation and environment regulation.
The key research areas under Solid Earth Sciences are : Crustal evolution and geodynamics, Quaternary evolution processes, sedimentology and depositional processes, weathering and surface processes, and coastal dynamics. It deals with Geo dynamics, Coastal dynamics and Atmospheric dynamics.
Under Earth Science expeditions the focus areas are : Landslides and coastal erosion mitigation, coastal zone management, resource evaluation and environmental impact assessment. It concerns with Natural resources management, Environmental management and Natural Hazard Management
MAJOR OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the center primarily revolve around undertaking the applications of earth science research for environmental and societal benefit. Major objectives are as follows:
- To facilitate multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary studies on the solid Earth center and its geological history spanning from 3 billions years.
- To delve into the surface transformations and processes to comprehend the sedimentary courses of coastal zones and their subsystems like mangroves, sea grass meadows and lagoons, aids in their conservation. Study of sediment disposition, helps to understand the nutrient presence and thereby agricultural conservatism.
- To research and apply the findings to incorporate the same in the mechanisms of environmental conservation.
- To collaborate and cooperate with other national and international institutions in the field of Solid Earth Science and its application, exchange of scientists, information, study tours, training in specialized areas of solid earth science, conducting workshops, seminars/symposia, invited lectures, etc., consistent with the aims and objectives of NCESS, subject to the prior approval of the MoES.
WORKING AND PERFORMANCE OF DEPARTMENTS OF THE CENTER:
SOLID EARTH RESEARCH GROUP (SERG)
This group is entrusted with the research of core, mantle and crust of the earth to ascertain the evolution and timescale of the planet. Studying the processes of geodynamic evolution of Archean cratons, Proterozoic mobile belts and Western Ghats of India, helps the identification of areas prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters.
The group is equipped with some of the state of the art geophysical instruments to carry out seismic, gravity, resistivity, and magnetic surveys to facilitate the same. Geophysical, geochronological and geochemical investigations are conducted by the research team to evaluate the field for real time data collection and observation.
The group is actively working on understanding the chemical evolution of Earth’s mantle at different tectonic settings, which helps in comprehension of late tectonics, the movement of Earth’s plates and cycles of volcanic activity, mountain-building, and subduction.
ENVIRONMENTAL HYDROLOGY GROUP
This group oversees the hydrological process in India. Hydrology is the scientific study of water in relation to the effects of precipitation, evaporation and transpiration as well as its occurrence in rivers, lakes and on or below the land surface. Extensive study and research in this arena is extremely essential for the nation, as it impacts agricultural productivity, environmental purity, industrial growth, power generation and several other natural and other man-made processes.
The proficiency and observation of the hydrological process in different environments is fundamental to ensure the conservation of water and sustainable development. The main facet of research of this group is its developments on Earth’s Critical Zone, which is a complex natural reactor where inputs of solar energy, atmospheric deposition and gases interact with living organisms and rock materials of the continents to maintain soil, nourish ecosystems and yield clear water. The rapid industrialisation and economic development is negatively impacting the critical zone, making it a crucial subject of research.
MARINE SCIENCE GROUP
The group is in charge of learning and comprehending the understanding of waves, currents and sediment transport and their effects on beaches and nearshore including modelling of coastal processes of the west coast of India. The research is concerned with knowing how sediments and sand travel on beaches and along the coast, and how this impacts coastal regions, particularly on the west coast of India. The research involves designing detailed computer models to examine how the ocean acts close to the shore and interacts with the shore.
It also entails the installation of a camera system to monitor the coast round the clock and researching the Alleppey Terrace zone to understand how it has evolved and how it influences significant seabed mineral deposits.
Another significant component of the project is researching how freshwater from groundwater enters the sea both Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea from underground water sources along the coast. This is referred to as Submarine Groundwater Discharge (SGD).
ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE GROUP
The group deals with the basic research regarding atmospheric clouds, thunderstorms, lightning and atmospheric electricity, and regional climate over Western Ghats to improve the forecasting of atmospheric natural hazards. This research helps in early warnings and forecasting of future risks on population, enabling efficient disaster management. It is impertinent to undertake the research as it also helps in understanding the pattern and changes leading to the natural disasters.
LIMITATIONS OF THE CENTER:
The preeminent area of focus of the center is limited to the Western Ghats. As a place of high ecological and geological importance, such focus is legible, however, as a government institution whose objective is prevention of natural disaster, its presence must be pervasive in all the regions of India, as all regions are increasing;y vulnerable to climate change due to climate change. There is also limitation in the budget allotted to the center, which restricts its movement across the country.
WAY FORWARD
In a country like India, where it is exceedingly important to have all-encompassing studies on air, water, soil and atmosphere to cater to the huge population. A center like NCESS, could widely benefit from collaborations or associations with institutes and disaster management agencies, which could help them do the field work and collection, to increase the scope of their research. Further, they can partner up with initiatives like National Center for Atmospheric Sciences, UK a to access better and efficient technology for sophistication and advancement in their research.
REFERENCES
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The author extends her sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team and Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja for their invaluable guidance throughout the process.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pranathi Poreddy, is a law student, studying in Damodaram Sanjvayya National Law University.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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