Investigating the West African Climate System Using Global/Regional Climate Models

Abstract

A three-day workshop took place at Howard University in Washington D.C. 27 July through 29 July 2000 to examine scientific and social issues associated with climate research in West Africa. Atmospheric scientists from West Africa and United States presented research and sought solutions to various problems that exist with respect to the state of science in West Africa. Presentations covered global climate model (GCM) and regional climate model simulations for West Africa, easterly wave representation in GCMs and the NCEP reanalysis, land-surface processes and atmospheric chemistry. A number of obstacles currently inhibit West African-U.S. collaboration including a lack of resources, communications, technology, and language. In order to overcome these obstacles, sustained efforts by numerous individuals in United States and West Africa are necessary. An institute in West Africa should be identified that can serve as a center for education, research, and a base for international field studies in the twenty-first century.