Themes
Selection of a theme
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During the registration, participants can indicate their theme preferences.
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Based on it, a personalised program will be prepared for them.
Theme 1: Learning from the Past: Origins of Earth and Life
Learning Objectives:
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Getting a sense of geological time, What can happen in a million years?
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Tethys ocean, an ancient ocean between India and Asia.
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Movement of continents and the significance of tectonic activity in the formation of the Himalayas.
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Hot springs: An oasis for life to arise on Earth.
Things to observe:
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Rocks and soil: Geomorphological features, stratigraphy, clay deposits, weathering, marine deposits.
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Ice: glacial, permafrost, ice deposits.
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Water: rivers, lakes, hot springs.
Theme 2: Observing the Present: Earth and Climate Change
Learning Objectives:
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Measuring key climate change parameters using hand-held instruments.
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Differentiate between weather and climate
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Comparing current measurements with historical data.
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Sense of appreciation for Ladakh as a climate change indicator.
Things to observe:
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How did cloudbursts affect Ladakh?
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Changing environment:
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Shifts in flowering and harvest seasons.
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Shifts in harvest belts from lower to higher elevations.
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Melting of glaciers.
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Societal impact: how has it affected the locals, what are their views?
Theme 3: Preparing for the Future: Mars Exploration
Learning Objectives:
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The similarity between Ladakh and ancient Mars.
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Observing life in Mars-like environments.
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Testing technologies for Mars exploration.
Things to observe:
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Observing ancient Mars analogue features
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Glacial deposits
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Alluvial fans and gullies
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Salt lake and shorelines
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Permafrost, thermokarst mounds, meltwater pools, clays
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Hot spring vent fields