AMMA
Analyse Multidisciplinaire de la Mousson AfricaineThe first AMMA observation campaign was successfully carried out from mid-January to mid-February. It enabled the characterisation of the microphysical and radiative properties of aerosols and their dynamics during the dry season in West Africa. This campaign included several series of observations under the responsibility of British, French, African and American scientists, involving more than ten laboratories from different countries, with the support of the European Commission.
Launched in 2001 by French researchers, the AMMA programme now brings together more than 145 European, African and American research structures. Its objective is to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of the African monsoon in order to better predict its variations and its repercussions on local, regional and global climate, as well as on populations. To achieve this, the programme is based on several waves of observations throughout West Africa, with an increase in the number of observations in 2006.
This first period of intensive observation of AMMA was thus dedicated to the study of the impact of aerosols on the radiation balance (balance between solar radiation and terrestrial radiation emitted) in West Africa, during the dry period, before the development of the monsoon. The objective was to understand the effect on radiation of the mixture of mineral and carbonaceous aerosols produced in West Africa and to study its impact on the dynamics of the African monsoon.
The campaign first took place from mid-January to 2 February 2006 in the region of Niger, Benin and Nigeria: it focused on the study of the properties of mineral particles, particles produced by fires, and their mixing in the atmosphere. It continued from 2 to 17 February over the Dakar-Isle of Sal region to study Sahelian transport and dust export over the ocean.
Significant logistical resources were deployed for this campaign: satellite observations, research aircraft for in situ measurements and sampling, and ground observation stations.