Amma-Model intercomparison project

The African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (AMMA) project was designed to address the main uncertainties in atmospheric processes controlling the monsoon system. It was designed to contribute to the evaluation and improvement of climate and weather forecast models. The observational strategy included reinforcement of the operational network of surface stations and of soundings on a long-term basis, along with an intensive field campaign during the monsoon season. The coordinated intercomparison and evaluation of global and regional atmospheric models started at the beginning of the AMMA project, leading to the creation of AMMA-Model Intercomparison Project (AMMA-MIP). The global and regional models were evaluated in terms of their ability to reproduce the mean West African climate and the seasonal, interseasonal variations of rainfall, and associated dynamical structures.