Investigating Climate Variability and Climate Change in West Africa Using Coupled Global-Regional Climate Models

Abstract ATM-9702607 Jenkins, Gregory Pennsylvania State University Title: Investigating Climate Variability and Climate Change in West Africa Using Coupled Global Regional Climate Models The scientific goals of this proposal are 1) to investigate the links between the large scale atmospheric circulation, the easterly waves and the climate variability over west Africa using the past fifteen years of observations and modeling, 2) to test the model simulation sensitivity for convective parameterization, and 3) to try to simulate regional climate under doubled CO2 scenario. The educational goals are 1) to provide outreach to K-12 students 2) to develop demonstrations and presentation with the help of under graduate students for presentation to high school and college students, and 3) to encourage under represented groups to consider careers in Atmospheric Science. This work will enhance our knowledge of West African climate variability and will develop technical expertise especially in under represented groups.