The Centre for Atmospheric Sciences was established in 1982 under the chairmanship of  Prof.  Roddam Narasimha. This became the Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences in 1996. Owing to its interdisciplinary nature, over the years, the centre has attracted faculty and students from different branches of science and engineering. In addition its intellectual character, research in atmospheric and oceanic science addresses issues relevant to our society and our future. Through its history, the centre has received generous support from the Department of Ocean Development, the Department of Space, the Department of Science and Technology, the University Grants Commission and the Ministry of Human Resources Development.  

Our research has revolved around the tropical climate with a focus on understanding the monsoon and its variability. Analysis of data from rain gauges and satellites have revealed the complex spatial and temporal structure of monsoon variability. In addition, we have used simple and complex models of the monsoon to understand the factors that control this variability along with the coupling between the atmosphere and the oceans. This has resulted in a clear demonstration of the critical role played by the clouds in modulating the tropical climate; further the impact of heat release on entrainment in the clouds has been studied through laboratory experiments. The dynamics and thermodynamics of the oceanic circulation in the Bay Of Bengal and Arabian Sea have also been examined by using numerical models of the ocean. 

In a broader context, scientists in the Centre have provided leadership, support and have participated in national and international missions such as the Monsoon Trough Boundary Layer Experiment (MONTBLEX) in 1990, the Indian Climate Research Program (ICRP) in 1997 and the first major field experiment of ICRP in Bay OF Bengal in 1999 (BOMBEX). Recently, we have been involved in defining the scientific objectives of the Indo-French Megha-Tropiques satellite. We are also participating in the ongoing Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX). 

In view of a host of new observation platforms around India, sophisticated satellite data and and more powerful computational resources, the next decade promises to be an exciting one for atmospheric, oceanic and climate sciences. We welcome students and scientists to join us in this exciting venture!