About Us
About two-third of the total number of thunderstorms occurring all over the globe, occur in tropics. The dynamical, microphysical and electrical characteristics of the tropical thunderstorms are much different from those that occur in mid-latitudes. Understanding the interactions of microphysical-electrical-dynamical processes in clouds is crucial to understand the rain formation processes, the cloud charging mechanisms, occurrence and distribution of lightning discharges in storms and several phenomenon such as cloud burst, tornado etc. associated with storms. Further, the role of aerosols in microphysical, dynamical and electrical characteristics of thunderstorms is not yet fully understood. Recent studies suggest that the increased aerosol concentration can reduce mean droplet size, suppression of warm rain coalescence process, and enhance the cloud water reaching the mixed phase region, which can increase the lightning activity. Our studies are vital to understand the microphysical, dynamical and electrical characteristics of thunderstorms occurring in the Indian region and to understand the effect of aerosols on thunderstorm characteristics. Also, this study can be useful to reduce the damages caused by lightning.
To achieve these objectives, we are conducting observations and performing simulation experiments in laboratories. A atmospheric electricity observatory has been established where, observations of basic atmospheric parameters like electric field, atmospheric conductivity air-current current and space charge density are being done for last 25 years. A vertical Wind tunel has been designed and fabricated where cloud simulation experiments are being conducted to study the breakup characteristics of water drop which would help in understanding the effect of electrical forces on rain formation processes Measurements of Air Ion spectra along with sulphur di-oxide and Radon concentration are made at Air-Ion-Spectrometer lab to study new particle formation.
Lightning Location Network with 20 sensors has been established over Maharashtra to study the lightning characteristics and its relationship with lightning related damages.