Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) Scheme

Context:

Recently, the Minister of Earth Sciences provided information on the ACROSS scheme in Lok Sabha.

About ACROSS Scheme:

It is a central sector scheme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) for atmospheric science programs.
- Aims: To address various aspects related to weather and climate prediction through a comprehensive approach.
Sub-Schemes:
- Each of these aspects is incorporated as eight sub-schemes under the umbrella scheme “ACROSS”.
- Each sub-scheme focuses on a specific aspect of atmospheric science and is implemented by different institutions under MoES.
Implementing Institutions:
- India Meteorological Department (IMD)
- National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
Benefits:
- Improved accuracy and reliability of weather and climate forecasts.
- Enhanced disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
- Facilitation of sustainable development through better climate information.
- Beneficial for various sectors, including agriculture, transportation, and disaster management.

Progress under ACROSS Scheme	Details
Advanced Weather Prediction Models	Development of global advanced weather prediction models and Ensemble Prediction System. High horizontal resolution of 12 km and regional models with higher resolution also have been developed.
Air Quality Early Warning System	High-resolution Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi developed
Enhanced Infrastructure	Procurement of 6.8 Petaflop High-Performance Computer (HPC). Increase in Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) network to 37.
Meteorological Data Receiving & Processing	Establishment of Multi-Mission Meteorological Data Receiving & Processing System (MMDRPS). Data from Geostationary satellites INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR, and INSAT-3DS received.
Lightning Location Network	Deployment of Lightning Location Network with sensors at 83 locations. Development and release of DAMINI LIGHTNING ALERT Mobile App.
Earth System Model (ESM)	IITM developed India’s first ESM participating in Coupled Modeling Intercomparison Project-Phase 6 (CMIP6) experiments.