THE WEST AFRICAN MONSOON

摘要

This chapter provides a description of the West African monsoon (WAM) and of its variability at a wide range of space and timescales. After summarizing the current understanding of its annual cycle, we analyze its variability on interannual and longer timescales including how the WAM may change in the coming century. The intraseasonal variability and its understanding are then addressed. Finally we summarize the recent progress made concerning weather systems and process studies.The chapter also highlights the increased interest and research activity concerned with the WAM that has developed substantially in the past decade. Much of this can be attributable to the AMMA project (Redelsperger et al. 2006) and the contributing scientists who were able to mobilize resources to support observations and research and who continue to help coordinating international research on the WAM (see http://www.amma-international.org).