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Advanced Electric Field Mill Installed at University of Jammu for Thunderstorm and Lightning Research
JAMMU, AUGUST 19: An advanced Electric Field Mill has been installed in the Department of Geology, University of Jammu, to strengthen monitoring and research on thunderstorms, lightning and associated natural hazards across the region.
The installation is part of a collaborative research project titled “Dynamics of Thunderstorms and Lightning”, sponsored by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, under the Mission Mausam programme. The initiative is a joint effort led by Dr. Unnikrishnan C. K., Scientist, NCESS, and Prof. S.K. Pandita, Director, Disaster Management Centre, University of Jammu.
The newly installed instrument will facilitate continuous monitoring of atmospheric electric fields and generate critical data to enhance understanding of the development and evolution of severe weather events. The observations are expected to contribute significantly to local disaster risk reduction and public safety efforts.
Taking advantage of Dr. Unnikrishnan’s presence on the campus, an interactive lecture was also organised for the first batch of postgraduate students of Disaster Management.
Prof. S.K. Pandita formally introduced the guest speaker to the students and briefed Dr. Unnikrishnan about the Disaster Management Centre and its academic objectives.
Delivering the lecture, Dr. Unnikrishnan provided a comprehensive overview of the science of thunderstorms, the mechanics of lightning, associated safety measures and the working principles of the newly installed Electric Field Mill. He also discussed actionable strategies for mitigating lightning-related hazards, appreciated the active participation of the students and offered them opportunities to pursue dissertation research at NCESS.
At the culmination of the lecture, Dr. Yudhbir Singh, Associate Professor, presented the formal vote of thanks to Dr. Unnikrishnan on behalf of the University of Jammu.
The initiative marks a vital step towards strengthening atmospheric research capabilities at the University while providing students with practical geoscientific knowledge and greater exposure to contemporary research in disaster management and natural hazards.