IITM MAQWFS Glacier Expedition: integrated atmospheric and cryospheric observations over Gangotri–Gaumukh and Satopanth
IITM, Pune conducted mobile atmospheric observations along the Gangotri–Gaumukh–Tapovan transect and set up a continuous station at Bhojbasa (~3,500 m) for glacier-atmosphere monitoring.
What happened: IITM MAQWFS Glacier Expedition over Gangotri–Gaumukh and Satopanth
The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune conducted an integrated observational experiment over Himalayan glaciers under its ongoing project Metropolitan Air Quality and Weather Forecasting Services (MAQWFS). The MoES-linked glacier expedition focused on improving understanding of atmospheric processes and how those processes interact with the cryosphere (snow and ice systems).
IITM carried out the work in two key observational forms:
Mobile atmospheric observations were conducted along the Gangotri–Gaumukh–Tapovan transect.Continuous cryosphere-adjacent atmospheric monitoring was established through a station at Bhojbasa, located at approximately 3,500 metres above mean sea level.
The expedition observational domain covered the Gangotri–Gaumukh region and also the Satopanth Glacier area.
Background and earlier position: why glacier-atmosphere observations are needed
