Research Projects

In recent years, India has experienced an increase in widespread heavy rainfall events. Extensive research has explored the factors controlling the intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme precipitation events. However, their size, i.e., spatial footprint, has received relatively less attention, which is a critical factor in understanding flood hazards. This proposal is motivated by the critical need to address this gap, building upon and integrating our prior research on precipitation extremes. In this proposal, we aim to understand the spatial signatures of heavy rainfall events by using rainfall observations, theoretical frameworks, and numerical simulations. This project will be centered around testing a key scientific question: How do thermodynamic and dynamic processes influence the spatial footprints of extreme precipitation events? We will develop an automated Python-based toolkit to identify spatial footprints of precipitation extremes. Using this toolkit, we will identify seasonal variability and recent changes in spatial footprints of precipitation extremes over India. Further, we will simulate spatial footprints of precipitation extremes using the Weather Research and Forecasting model and design experiments to find processes controlling spatial footprints of extreme rainfall events. We will develop a framework for analyzing thermodynamic and dynamic processes associated with spatial footprints of precipitation extremes using observations and numerical simulations. The outcomes from this proposal will contribute towards improving the existing understanding of heavy precipitation events, specifically their spatial characteristics. These insights can help develop skillful forecast models of precipitation extremes and mitigate impacts due to widespread floods.