Precipitation simulation of synoptic scale systems over western Himalayan region using Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model

Operational weather prediction over western Himalayan region is a challenging job due to scarcity of data and complex topography that interacts with approaching weather system. Accurate prediction of complex weather phenomena requires dense data network which is difficult to establish in mountain due to complex terrain and hostile weather conditions over Himalaya. The alternate method to overcome this problem is by ingesting three-dimensional meteorological variables from global model’s analysis and forecast values as initial and lateral boundary conditions in meso-scale numerical models. Simultaneously, data assimilation is a potential tool in which non-conventional [satellite, radar and Automatic Weather Station (AWS)] and conventional (surface and upper air observations) data are ingested in the numerical models to generate high resolution and accurate initial fields for the initialization of the mesoscale model. In the present study, Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model has been used for the prediction of synoptic weather system known as Western Disturbance (WD) that affects the weather of western and central Himalaya during winter period (November – April).The ARPS model has been selected for this study because the model has its own objective analysis and quality control system. It has the capacity to ingest the satellite, Doppler weather radar data and other types of observations. Its assimilation system can also be used to overcome the problem of data scarcity in Himalayan region. In this study, initial and lateral boundary fields are taken from the T-80 spectral global model operationally used at National Centre for Medium Range Prediction (NCMRWF), Noida (UP), India. The global model’s analysis was taken as the initial condition and 24 hour’s interval forecasts as lateral boundary conditions. The model has been used for the simulation of few WDs for 96 hours (Four days). The comparison of ARPS simulation with T-80 forecast shows that the ARPS model could produce better results in respect of the circulation of WDs and hence it can be utilized for the operational weather prediction over the Indian region.

AN ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOMS - A POTENTIAL RESOURCE OF FOOD AND INCOME GENERATION IN PABBAR VALLEY, HIMACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

The Western Himalayan region is rich in wild mushrooms. The people living in this area have extensive traditional mycological knowledge. The wild edible mushrooms have been consumed from the earliest history and also possess medicinal properties. The seasonal collections of wild edible mushrooms constitute a food with nutritional value and a source of income for the rural local inhabitants. In the present day, mushrooms are valued as popular food because of low in fat, carbohydrate, and cholesterol-free, and rich in vitamins. The lifestyle change is now responsible for a severe reduction in the collection of these mushrooms. The knowledge in the local environment gets lost when it is not gathered. The study aimed to investigate the knowledge and use of wild edible mushrooms in Pabbar Valley, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 13 species of mushrooms belonging to 11 families were identified as edible from the area. Morchella spp. are collected mainly for trade purposes.

A preliminary assessment of odonate diversity along the river Tirthan, Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, India with reference to the impact of climate change

A total of 19 species of odonates, including eight species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) and 11 species of Zygoptera (damselflies), were recorded along the Tirthan River, Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), Himachal Pradesh. Among these species, 17 were reported from the area for the first time. With the addition of these new records the number of odonates known from the GHNPCA is increased to 23 species representing 18 genera and eight families. Indothemis carnatica, Agriocnemis femina, and Argiocnemis rubescens are reported for the first time from the western Himalayan region. The study found a significant change in the species composition of odonates over a period of 18 years in the area, which may be due to changes in microhabitat conditions associated with climate change.