ISRO Offers Free Online Course on Himalayan Cryospheric Hazards

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), a pioneer in space exploration, has taken a significant step towards promoting scientific knowledge and addressing environmental challenges. They have launched a free 1-day online course specifically designed for final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students in India, focusing on the critical topic of Himalayan cryospheric hazards. This initiative aims to equip young minds with the necessary skills and understanding to tackle the pressing issues related to glaciers and permafrost in the Himalayan region.

Understanding Cryospheric Hazards

The Himalayan region, often called the “Third Pole,” is home to the world’s largest glaciers outside the polar regions. These glaciers play a crucial role in the region’s water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. However, they are facing unprecedented threats due to climate change, leading to various cryospheric hazards. These hazards include:

• Glacier melting: The accelerated melting of glaciers due to rising temperatures is causing rapid changes in water flows, leading to potential floods, droughts, and changes in agricultural patterns.
• Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs): The formation of glacial lakes due to melting glaciers can pose a significant threat if they breach their natural barriers, causing catastrophic flooding.
• Permafrost thawing: The thawing of permafrost, the frozen ground beneath the surface, can lead to landslides, erosion, and changes in soil stability.

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The Course’s Objectives

The online course offered by ISRO aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of these cryospheric hazards and their implications. The objectives of the course include:

• Raising awareness: To create awareness among students about the importance of the Himalayan cryosphere and the challenges it faces.
• Building knowledge: To equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to analyze and assess cryospheric hazards.
• Promoting research: To encourage students to engage in research related to cryospheric hazards and contribute to their mitigation.

Course Content

The course will be delivered online via ISRO’s e-class platform and will include four important sessions:

• Overview of geological hazards
• Elements and dynamics of the cryosphere in light of climate change
• High alpine hazards in the Himalayas, emphasizing debris flow
• Remote sensing applications for cryospheric hazards

How to Register?

Students have two options for registering: individually or through their respective nodal centres. Registrations made through nodal centres require coordinator approval; individual registrations are approved immediately.

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Getting a Certificate Upon Completion

To be eligible for a certificate, participants must attend at least 70% of each session. The certificate can be downloaded through the ISRO’s Learning Management System (LMS).

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