Geospatial & micrometerology based modelling for assessing the impact of invasive species on the hydrological fluxes, agriculture and food security and mitigation measures
Principal Investigator
Prof. Balaji Narasimhan
Objective
- Develop a Point Scale 1D Vertical Multilayer Model, Model Validation Using Field Measurements, Scaling Up to Catchment Level Using SWAT
Description
- This IIT Madras CSR-driven initiative applies geospatial analytics and micrometeorology models to study Prosopis juliflora ? an invasive leguminous shrub native to the Americas ? which has significantly disrupted ecosystems across developing nations, including India, threatening agricultural land, water bodies, and groundwater resources through its aggressive root systems and high transpiration rates. By modelling evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge, land?water interactions, and hydrological cycles, the project delivers actionable insights to guide large-scale mitigation strategies, ultimately strengthening water security, agricultural productivity, and food resilience in affected regions.
Impact
- A Point Scale 1D Vertical Multilayer Model, Improved surface energy balance model for ET, Improved hydrologic model for hydrologic fluxes, ET maps at better spatial and temporal resolution from satellites, The potential/ideal areas to remove P. juliflora to enhance water availability, Potential for scaling-up to the southern peninsula states with Prosopis infestation for improving food and water security
Duration
36 months