After the devastating floods and landslides in July 2024, which claimed over 200 lives in Wayanad, Kerala, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has approved the installation of an X-band radar in the district. This radar is expected to improve weather monitoring and provide early warnings for landslides, helping to prevent future disasters in the region.
What is Radar and How Does It Work?
Radar stands for “radio detection and ranging.” It works by sending out radio waves, which bounce back when they hit an object, allowing the radar to measure distance, speed, and direction. The system consists of two parts: a transmitter that sends the signal and a receiver that captures it when it returns.
Understanding Doppler Radar
Doppler radar is a type of weather radar that relies on the Doppler effect, where waves change frequency based on whether an object is moving toward or away. This technology is particularly useful in tracking the speed and direction of weather systems, such as rain clouds, and helps measure rainfall intensity by analyzing the signal changes.
What is X-Band Radar?
X-band radar operates within the 8-12 GHz range of the electromagnetic spectrum. These shorter waves produce high-resolution images but have a limited range. The new X-band radar in Wayanad will be crucial for monitoring soil movements, making it an essential tool for landslide prediction and environmental data collection.
India’s Growing Radar Network
India has been using meteorological radars since the 1950s, with the first X-band radar installed in 1970. The country now has both X-band and S-band radars, which have longer ranges. As part of “Mission Mausam,” the government plans to install 60 new weather radars by 2026, enhancing weather prediction capabilities across the nation.
What is the NISAR Project?
The NISAR project is a collaboration between NASA and ISRO that will launch a satellite in 2025 to monitor changes in Earth’s surface. The satellite will use synthetic aperture radar, combining L-band and S-band frequencies to map out land changes, such as deforestation and soil movement.
