National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR): Objectives, Achievements, Impact and More!

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research(NCPOR) is India's premier R&D institution for scientific research. Objectives of NCPOR include advancing knowledge, addressing environmental issues, and promoting sustainable development. Significant achievements include research expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic. Major programs include the Indian Antarctic Program, Arctic Program, and Southern Ocean Program.

NCPOR contributes to advancing India's scientific and technological capabilities. NCPOR informs policies on climate change and natural resource management. Understanding NCPOR's objectives, achievements, and programs is important for UPSC aspirants. NCPOR's work shapes India's response to global challenges. Knowledge of the organization can be useful in science, technology, environment, and international affairs.

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Science and Technology in the General Studies Paper 3 syllabus and current events in UPSC prelims.

In this article, we shall see an overview of the Objectives, Achievements, Impact on India of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research and other facts related to the UPSC exams.

What is the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research?

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), formerly the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), is an autonomous research institution located in Vasco da Gama, Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Responsible for managing the Indian Antarctic Programme, NCPOR oversees the operation of the country's Antarctic research stations, Bharati and Maitri. Established on May 25, 1998, as NCAOR with Dr. Prem Chand Pandey, it actively participates in global experiments, hosts international conferences, and leads committees in Antarctic science. Dr. M. Ravichandran serves as the current Chairman, also holding the position of Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, while Mr. Mirza Javed Beg is the present Director of NCPOR. Since 2006, NCPOR operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, as per the president of India's notification.

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Objectives of NCPOR 

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is India's premier R&D institution. It is responsible for the country's research activities in the polar and Southern Ocean realms.

• The objectives of NCPOR are to study the fundamental biogeochemical processes.
• This includes the snow-firn-ice and its influence on environmental processes.
• Another objective is an interpretation of ice-core records.
• NCPOR studies biotic components in snow-firn-ice records. 
• It influences biogeochemical exchange processes.
• NCPOR aims to generate critical sea and atmospheric data. 
• The data contributes to global climate data sets and helps predict climate models to mitigate and regulate climate change.
• NCPOR studies the interrelationship between physical, chemical, and biological elements across the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC). 
• Their role in carbon sequestration and biogeochemistry is also examined.
• Additionally, NCPOR studies the interaction between air, sea, and ice.
• It aims to understand the impact of anthropogenic aerosols on the Southern Ocean.
• NCPOR's Arctic program aims to contribute to climate change understanding.
• NCPOR assesses, accepts and hosts Indian researcher projects in Ny-Ålesund.
• NCPOR has been active in Ny-Alesund since 2008.

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Mandate of NCPOR

NCPOR is responsible for a multifaceted mandate. Scientific research is a key focus. Facilitation and management related to polar and ocean sciences are also included. NCPOR's work reflects the broad and diverse nature of its mandate.

• NCPOR plays a leadership role in polar and ocean research.
  • This involves specialized areas of scientific research.
  • NCPOR conducts cutting-edge research in these areas.
  • Niche areas of study are a focus of expertise.
• NCPOR facilitates scientific research activities.
  • Multiple national institutions and organizations benefit from this.
  • The research takes place in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Southern Ocean, and the Himalayas.
  • NCPOR provides logistical support and resources to aid research efforts.
• NCPOR has a management role in Indian Expeditions.
  • These expeditions go to the Antarctic, Arctic, and Southern Ocean.
  • NCPOR oversees all operational and logistical activities.
  • This includes planning, implementation, and resource management.
• NCPOR is responsible for managing Indian research bases.
  • The bases are located in the Antarctic, Arctic, and Himalayan regions.
  • The bases are named "Maitri," "Bharati," "Himadri," and "Himansh."
  • NCPOR ensures proper functioning and maintenance of these bases.
• NCPOR leads the study of benchmark glaciers in the Western Himalayas.
  • This includes research and monitoring.
  • The hydrological impact of benchmark glaciers is a focus.
  • The region is a key area of study.
• NCPOR plays a lead role in deep ocean surveys and exploration.
  • This includes hydrothermal minerals under the Deep Ocean Mission.
  • Geoscientific surveys of the country's exclusive economic zone are also a focus.
  • Arabian Sea drilling and the Indian Ocean Geoid Low are other areas of study.
• NCPOR manages the Ministry's research vessel ORV Sagar Kanya.
  • Other research vessels chartered by the Ministry are also managed.
  • NCPOR oversees the maintenance and operation of these vessels.
  • The goal is to support research activities.

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Major Programs under NCPOR 

Let us understand in detail major programs under NCPOR on ebay one.

Dakshin Gangotri

Dakshin Gangotri was India's first Antarctic research base. It was established in 1983 by NCPOR.

• The base was named after the Dakshin Gangotri glacier.
• It was located 2500 km from the South Pole.
• The Dakshin Gangotri program aimed to conduct scientific research in Antarctica.
• Its other objective was to establish India's presence on the continent.
• Through these efforts, India became a consultative member of the Antarctic Treaty.
• India was also inducted into the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.
• The base had laboratories, living quarters, and power generators.
• Harsh weather and heavy ice led to its abandonment.
• This happened in 1988-89; the base was decommissioned in 1990.
• A new research station named Maitri was established nearby. 
• It continued India's research activities in Antarctica.
• The Dakshin Gangotri program, despite its short lifespan, marked a significant milestone in India's polar research efforts. 
• It laid the foundation for future research expeditions in the Antarctic region.

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Bharati

The new Indian research base ‘Bharati’ is located about 3000 km east of Maitri.

• It is located near Larsmann Hill. It's located at an elevation of approximately 35 m above sea level.
• The station was commissioned on 18 March 2012. It has a very small footprint.
• Its purpose is to facilitate year-round scientific research activity. The station supports the Indian Antarctic program.
• The communication is through dedicated satellite channels. These channels provide connectivity for voice, video and data.
• The program focuses on studying the Earth's atmosphere. Specifically, it studies the polar regions.
• The program examines the atmosphere's composition and dynamics.
• It also studies the atmosphere's interactions with other components of the Earth system.
• The program aims to understand the physical, chemical, and biological processes.
• These processes occur in the Southern Ocean, which surrounds Antarctica.
• The program includes studying ocean currents and marine ecosystems.
• The program also studies the effects of climate change on the ocean.
• Bharati has made India one of the nine countries with more than one research base. The research bases are located in the Antarctic Circle.

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Maitri

Maitri is India's second research base in Antarctica. In 1988, an ice-free rocky area was selected. The construction of Maitri was completed in 1989.

• The area was located in the Schirmacher oasis.
• The purpose was to build the Second Research Station, “Maitri.”
• The building was erected on steel stilts.
• The station has stood the test of time since its construction.
• Maitri serves as a gateway to a large mountain chain.
• The mountain chain is located in central Dronning Maud Land.
• The mountain chain is situated south of Schirmacher.
• Maitri is an inland station located about 100 km from the shore.
• The station is at an elevation of about 50 meters above sea level.
• Maitri sources fresh water from a nearby freshwater lake.
• The name of the lake is Lake Priyadarshini. The lake has been named after former PM Indira Gandhi.

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Achievements of NCPOR

Some of the notable achievements of NCPOR are:

• India has established its third research station in Antarctica. It is called Bharati Station.
• The station is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
• These facilities allow for scientific experiments to be conducted.
• Scientists are monitoring Himalayan glaciers.
• They are using remote sensing and ground-based observations.
• The aim is to understand climate change's impact on the region. India is exploring the Arctic region.
• This includes participation in the MOSAiC expedition.
  • The expedition is focused on studying climate change's impact.
  • It's the largest Arctic research expedition ever conducted.
  • Scientists are studying marine biodiversity and oceanographic processes.
  • The focus is on the Southern Ocean.
  • The study has led to the discovery of new marine species.
  • It has also involved mapping ocean currents and circulation patterns.
• India is developing indigenous technologies for scientific research.
• These technologies are designed for extreme environments.
• Polar clothing and equipment are examples.
• They are used in Indian Antarctic expeditions.
• NCPOR has had a major impact on polar and oceanographic research.
• India is now a leading player in the field. Thanks to NCPOR's work, India is recognized globally.

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Himadri Research Station

Himadri Station, India's first Arctic research station, was established in 2008. The station is located in Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Norway. It is situated at the International Arctic Research base, Ny-Ålesund.

• India's polar research efforts achieve a milestone with the Himadri Station, located approximately 1200 km from the North Pole. 
• The station focuses on monitoring fjord dynamics and conducts atmospheric research in the Arctic setting, making it ideal for studying various aspects, including space weather and aerosol radiation. 
• Research areas span microbial communities, food-web dynamics, sedimentology, carbon recycling, and glacier studies. 
• Himadri Station aims to enhance understanding of the Arctic's impact on global climate, particularly through its crucial work in glacier research, contributing significantly to the broader field of climate change studies.
• The melting of glaciers is a concern. This can lead to sea-level rise.
  • Sea-level rise can have severe implications.
• Coastal communities worldwide are at risk.
• Microbial communities are a critical area of research at Himadri.
  • These microorganisms play a vital role in the Arctic's ecosystem.
  • They have implications for global biogeochemical cycles.
• By studying these communities, researchers hope to understand the Arctic's response to changing conditions.
• Himadri Station is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. These facilities can conduct research in extreme conditions.
• The station has laboratories, living quarters, and communication systems.
• These are necessary to support research activities in the Arctic.
• Himadri Station plays a crucial role in advancing India's scientific research in the Arctic.
• Atmospheric conditions are also a focus. The research has significant implications for global climate and biogeochemical cycles.
• Researchers can contribute to international efforts to understand the Arctic.
• Himadri Station's research is vital for understanding the Arctic region.
• The station's research also has implications beyond the Arctic.

Impact of NCPOR

• NCPOR monitors six Himalayan glaciers, revealing a yearly melting range of 13 to 33 millimeters.
• The tracked glaciers include Sutri Dhaka, Batal, Bara Shigri, Samudra Tapu, Gepang Gath, and Kunzum.
• Debris under two centimeters thick slows melting by up to 10%, while material above two centimeters reduces rates by up to 70%.
• The changing Arctic's influence on Indian monsoons becomes more significant due to extreme weather events and reliance on rainfall.
• Indian and Norwegian scientists identify a link between Arctic sea ice and late-season monsoon rainfall extremes.
• Extreme rainfall in September and October may result from decreasing sea ice in the Barents-Kara sea region.
• Melting sea ice and Arabian Sea temperature changes lead to increased moisture and intense rainfall events.
• India addresses Arctic changes' impact on tropical processes by installing the IndARC underwater observatory in 2014.
• The World Meteorological Organization reports a faster sea-level rise along the Indian coast, influenced by melting Arctic sea ice.
• Arctic events significantly impact tropical processes, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global climate systems.

Conclusion

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research is crucial for India's scientific research activities. The organization plays a vital role in the polar and southern ocean realms. NCPOR is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of these regions. NCPOR has a multidimensional mandate. The organization is dedicated to advancing knowledge of polar and southern ocean realms. NCPOR also addresses important societal and environmental issues

UPSC CSE Mains Question on National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research 

• What is India’s plan to have its space station, and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC Mains 2019)

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