ISRO Introduces Free One-Day Online Course with Certification

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a free, one-day online course focused on Himalayan cryospheric hazards. This initiative is designed to educate participants about the significant challenges posed by climate change and its effects on the Himalayan glaciers, which are critical to the region's environment and communities.

Who Can Participate?

The course is open to final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students across India. It's an excellent opportunity for those interested in environmental science, geology, and related fields to deepen their understanding of the pressing issues facing the Himalayan region. Upon successfully completing the course requirements, participants will receive a certificate from ISRO.What Will Be Covered in This Course?

This course will delve into the critical role of the Himalayan cryosphere, focusing on how climate change is affecting glaciers, snow cover, and river basins. Participants will explore the formation of new glacial lakes and the associated risks, such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), as well as the growing concerns around permafrost melting.

Course Structure

The course will be delivered online via ISRO's e-class platform and will feature four key sessions:

Overview of Geological Hazards (11:00-11:30): An introduction to the types of geological hazards, with a focus on those affecting the Himalayan region.
Elements and Dynamics of the Cryosphere from a Climate Change Perspective (11:35-12:20): A detailed look at the cryosphere, exploring how climate change is influencing glaciers and other frozen landscapes.
High Mountain Hazards in the Himalayas, with a Focus on Debris Flow (14:15-15:00): This session will delve into specific hazards like debris flow, which are common in high-altitude regions.
Remote Sensing Applications for Cryospheric Hazards (15:05-15:50): Learn how remote sensing technology is used to monitor and manage cryospheric hazards in the Himalayas.
The program is entirely free and doesn't require any special software or hardware-just a stable internet connection. Students can join the sessions using a desktop, laptop, or any device equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers.

How to Register?

Students can register for the course individually or through their respective nodal centres. If registering through a nodal centre, approval from the centre coordinator is required; individual registrations are automatically approved. To qualify for the certificate, participants must attend at least 70% of each session. After meeting the attendance criteria, the certificate will be available for download through ISRO's Learning Management System (LMS).

This course offers a valuable opportunity for students to gain insights into the impacts of climate change on the Himalayas and the methods used to study and mitigate these effects.

Certificate

For Students Registered Through Nodal Centres: Students who meet the 70% attendance requirement will receive a Course Participation Certificate.
For Individually Registered Students: A Course Participation Certificate will be awarded to those who attend at least 70% of each session's duration, and the certificate can be downloaded from the ISRO LMS.