NASA scientist offers weather forecasting knowhow to AP

A National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) research scientist today gave a power point presentation on applicaiton capabilities of terrestrial observation and prediction system (TOPS) to Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy offering a package of information with value-added services to the state government.

The mission aim is to use the TOPS to develop nowcasts and forecasts of ecosystem conditions which include surface water, ground water, soils, agricuture, drought monitoring, climatic conditions and other natural resources for use in a range of applications for developmental activities, according to a press release issued by the chief minister's office.

While giving the presentation before the chief minister, Ramkrishna R Nemani, research scientist from the American space agency explained that these studies would help the states predict weather conditions.

The chief minister wanted him to interact with the irrigation department and the AP State Remote Sensing Application Centre to chalk out further collaborative work to implement their technical knowhow for the development of the state on non-commercial basis, the press release said.