UKSOLAS/QUEST/ACCENT Cape Verde Observatory workshop: “Integrated, long-term ocean-atmosphere observations in the tropical Atlantic”

8-10th January 2007, São Vicente, Cape VerdeIslands

Background: The UK NERC SOLAS and the EU TENATSO (Tropical Eastern North Atlantic Time-Series Observatory, led by Professor Doug Wallace, IfM-GEOMAR Kiel) programmes are jointly funding the set-up of co-ordinated atmospheric and oceanographic observational facilities at/near São Vicente, Cape Verde (16oN, 24oW), in partnership with the relevant Cape Verde institutions (INDP and INMG).

UK SOLAS effort will be primarily focused on atmospheric measurements, to include O3, NOxy, CO, VOCs, OVOCs, reactive halocarbons, DMS, IO and BrO, led by the UK DIAC Universities (see TENATSO will enhance the atmospheric facilities at Cape Verde, and allow the initiation of a long-term programme of greenhouse gas (led by Professor Martin Heimann, MPIB Jena) and aerosol (led by Professor Hartmut Hermann, IfT) measurements, as well as establishing long-term monitoring of oceanic conditions by means of a sub-surface ocean mooring and additional monthly survey data.

It is expected that datasets arising from the Cape Verde observatory will – subject to appropriate accreditation and quality controls - contribute to a number of global observing networks.

Aims: UKSOLAS along with the UK NERC QUEST programme and the EU ACCENT programme have committed funds for an international workshop on Cape Verde to:

  • discuss scientific needs and priorities for long-term atmospheric and marine measurements at Cape Verde in the context of global change research.
  • focus the efforts of European and international scientists with interests in global change research on the Cape Verde Observatory, an open-ocean site that is representative of a region likely to be sensitive to future climate change, and is minimally influenced by local effects and intermittent continental pollution.
  • examine opportunities for co-ordination of relevant European/international scientific activities at the site.
  • develop collaborations and communication within the scientific community with appropriate expertise in monitoring and modelling activities.
  • ensure international recognition of data collected at the Cape Verde observatory and to promote this data for use by world leading modelling groups.
  • explore associated training opportunities to strengthen Cape Verde and regional involvement.

German national and additional European funding for workshop support is being requested.

Activities planned: A 3-day workshop involving 30-40 international and local participants will be held during 8-10th Jan 2007 on São Vicente, Cape Verde, comprising discussion sessions led by 15-20 invited speakers. Other offered presentations/posters will also be considered. The initial science sessions will be followed by guided discussions on various topics with a leader and rapporteur for each discussion group. The meeting will take place at the Fisheries Laboratory in Mindelo. A site visit to the Atmospheric Observatory will be included.

Please e-mail Admir Targino () for more information.