International research campaign for the West African monsoon
26 November 2007
Scientific conference in Germany 26-30 November.
Scientists from across the globe meet in Karlsruhe, Germany, this week to assess results of the first major international programme to understand the science that lies behind the West African monsoon and what causes its variability.
UK researchers have played a pivotal role in the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) campaign, devising and carrying out projects that will forecast malaria, meningitis and other epidemics in the Sahel region, observing how storms can be influenced by soil moisture, and measuring how desert dust and smoke from burning biomass affects sunlight. These and other projects will be in the spotlight during the conference next week.
AMMA brings together scientists from more than 25 countries to make intensive measurements of the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere, using weather balloons, ground-based instruments, research aircraft and oceanographic research vessels. By identifying and understanding the key processes that control the development and timing of the West African monsoon, improvements in forecasting the monsoon accurately from climate models can be made. These forecasts can act as early-warning systems for the West African rainy season and provide local and regional decision-makers in Africa with the capability to more efficiently plan their water resources, food security and health-care.
The pdf below provides details of some of the research undertaken during this international research campaign. Further analysis and research will be carried out as AMMA will continue until 2009.
African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses: Results and Prospects (1·35MB)African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses: Results and Prospects (1·35MB)
Further information
NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215
Dr Louisa Watts
National Centre for Atmospheric Science
c/o Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411609
Press release: 49/07
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