Short duration extreme precipitation events and acute heat stresses in Southern India : Two case studies with suggested remedial measures

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• Prof Sat Ghosh, FRMetS (VIT, Vellore, India and University of Leeds, U.K.)
• Friday 19 July 2024, 14:00-15:00
• BAS Cambridge Seminar Room 2 and Zoom.

If you have a question about this talk, please contact Siddharth Gumber.

Short duration intense precipitation over India’s rice bowl in the Kaveri Delta is a matter of concern for not just farmers, but also for conservationists concerned with the functioning of a 2000-year-old, but still functioning water diversionary structure. It is found that although the year 2022 was a weak La Nina year, the area was battered by short duration intense precipitation from warm rain microphysics as well as from frozen hydrometeors causing undesirable flooding. Research results also project a heightened vulnerability of the region to flooding with an estimated 146 km2 of land being submerged, including over 65% of agricultural land. Sub zones in major watersheds that are currently safe will get inundated in RCP8 .5 scenario in 2050. By coupling predicted rainfall intensity with a hydrological model, the depth and velocity of floodwaters in the sub-basins helped identify vulnerable parts of the iconic structure. The results obtained can serve as a ready reckoner to support decisions in prioritizing emergency support in vulnerable zones and constructing shelter homes.

The second part of the talk relates to smart rainwater harvesting to promote hydraulic air-conditioning in years of extreme heat stress and learning from earlier vernacular traditions. A 1000 -year-old Jain settlement in Arettipur promoted an early form of air conditioning and learnt how to adapt to heat stress in a region where the Monsoons often failed. The Aretippurians used composite building fabrics which modulated heat transfer to the interiors. A site visit revealed that a unique and engineered micro-climate was made to prevail on this hilltop settlement. A granite skirted reservoir was indeed the pièce-de-résistance promoting optimal thermal comfort indices in and around the settlement. Observational and modelling studies established how this fanned chilled air across the open plan temples, courtyards, and lived-in areas. Engineered microclimatic adaptations with staggered layout, unique building forms, use of mixed building fabric, and carefully chosen glazing ratios largely contributed to the passive cooling which kept the settlement cool and comfortable.

This talk is part of the BAS Atmosphere, Ice and Climate Seminars series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• BAS Atmosphere, Ice and Climate Seminars
• BAS Cambridge Seminar Room 2 and Zoom

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