Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI)

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) inaugurated the first phase of Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) in Madhya Pradesh.

About Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI):

• ART-CI is a pioneering testbed facility, the first of its kind, designed to deepen understanding of monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions.
• It is spearheaded by Pune’s Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• ART-CI embodies a significant stride in climate research within the Central India region.

Objectives and Importance:

• The primary focus of ART-CI is the monsoon trough area, including the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), which plays a pivotal role in the regional climate system.
• The understanding of this area is crucial for accurate weather prediction and climate modelling in India.
• ART-CI’s establishment aims to provide detailed insights into the monsoon dynamics, aiding in the improvement of monsoon prediction models, which is vital for agriculture, water management, and disaster mitigation in India.

Features and Capabilities:

• ART-CI is being established in a phased manner as part of the Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) umbrella scheme.
• The facility will boast a comprehensive suite of both remote-sensing and in-situ instruments.
  • These tools are essential for the continuous monitoring of various atmospheric parameters such as convection, clouds, precipitation, soil moisture, radiation, and microphysics.

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