Indigenous SODAR System

Sound Detection And Ranging (SODAR) is an acoustic remote sensing technique for real-time monitoring of Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) and thermal structures of concern in air pollution meteorology.  It is internationally recognized and recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for air quality dispersion modeling in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This technique is in use all over the world for various practical and ABL research applications. ABL is a fundamental parameter characterizing the structure of the lower atmosphere. Occurrence characteristics of the meteorological processes associated with ABL thermal structures such as inversion and thermally convective mixing height, stability, transitional phases of stable/ unstable atmosphere, etc. play a significant role in determining the atmospheric carrying capacity of pollutants load. Therefore, knowledge of such city specific air pollution meteorological aspects is the back bone of planning strategies for city air quality management.  

CSIR - AMPRI indigenously developed a software for a new design of monostatic SODAR, data acquisition, and control system with minimized hardware elements. The user-friendly system runs without problems and provides continuous real-time data on the dynamics of ABL thermal structures.  

Lower atmosphere (i.e., the lower part of the troposphere) research is important because it helps us understand and predict weather patterns, monitor air quality, and support climate prediction/forecasting. It also provides information which is helpful for urban planning, disaster management, thus protects public health. For real-time monitoring of the lower atmosphere, Sound Detection And Ranging (SODAR) is an acoustic remote sensing technique which is internationally recognized and recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for air quality dispersion modelling in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This technique is in use all over the world for various practical and atmospheric research applications. CSIR-AMPRI’s SODAR is an unique option for research in the lower atmosphere. The salient features are as follows:

• Indigenous Development: Customized for Indian climatic and geographical conditions, making it especially useful for regional applications. The developed indigenous software is easy for real-time data logging and analysis. Software can be accessed via mobile devices and can be integrated with other sensors.
• Cost-Effective:  Lower-price than imported systems.
• Proven Performance: Deployed at eleven (11) sites, including Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Delhi, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Mumbai, State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), India Meteorological Department (IMD) Delhi, and Industries (Tata Steel).
• Key Applications: Air quality management, weather forecasting, industrial assessments, and atmospheric research.

This SODAR system provides a self-sufficient solution for atmospheric research and environmental monitoring, supporting national initiatives such as National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), Mission Mausam and the Smart Cities Mission. It's a self-reliant, affordable solution tailored for India's need. An MoU was signed between CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal and IMD, New Delhi, MoES to enhance collaborative research work between CSIR-AMPRI, Bhopal and IMD New Delhi, MoES in climate and environmental studies with emphasis on scientific and societal challenges related to weather, climate variability, forecasting and disaster risk reduction. The MoU facilitates the sharing of SODAR system data across various locations for forecasting, validation, and research initiatives.

• Economical to provide Continuous data
• Data in Pictorial Form offers easy Interpretation of ABL Stability and prevailing Meteorological Phenomenon
• Online information of Environmental Hazards for Air Pollution for Disaster Management Strategies