1st Pan-WCRP Workshop on the Monsoon Climate Systems
Toward Better Prediction of the Monsoons
Organized by
a n d 
at the University of California, Irvine, California, USA
15-17 June 2005
with sponsorship by WCRP, US CLIVAR and the University of California, Irvine
More than 70% of the Earth's population live under the influence of monsoon climates, and they experience natural disasters (e.g., floods and droughts) and water resources deficits caused by large monsoon variability. In addition, the influence of anthropogenic impacts (e.g., global warming due to increasing greenhouse gases, increase of atmospheric aerosol concentrations and land cover/land use changes) on the monsoon systems need to be assessed urgently, since recent model studies have strongly suggested that the monsoon systems are very sensitively to these impacts.
Challenge: The monsoon systems are manifested as land-atmosphere-ocean coupled systems, and they exhibit a variety of time and space scales that are governed by complex physical processes and their interactions. Due to our lack of understanding these processes and interactions, large uncertainties still exist in prediction of the monsoons on local, regional, and continental-scales. Monsoon predictions require better models, and better models require improved physical parameterizations, which in turn require more comprehensive observations. Since the monsoon systems possess a large range of variability from diurnal to decadal time scales, prediction is a challenging test for the modeling community. Given the importance of the monsoons in driving the energy and water cycle, improving model physics in monsoon regions will result in better models for other applications such as global change, and water resource assessments.
Background in WCRP: Under WCRP, CLIVAR has conducted studies on intra-seasonal, seasonal, inter-annual and decadal variability of the monsoons, and mainly focusing on their atmosphere-ocean interactions. Alternatively, GEWEX has promoted regional and continental-scale monsoon studies as part of the continental-scale energy and water cycle experiments (CSEs), which mainly focus on land-atmosphere interactions. For better understanding and improved prediction of the monsoon systems, full coordination and cooperation of research between these two programs is urgently needed under the WCRP, including, where appropriate, the other activities of the WCRP, in particular those of CliC.
The primary aim of this Pan-WCRP workshop is to facilitate the interaction of CLIVAR and GEWEX, together with other components of WCRP as appropriate, to improve the prediction of the Earth's monsoon systems. It will review the monsoon-related activities of the WCRP with the objective of developing a pan-WCRP monsoon modelling and related observational strategy to achieving better coordination and collaboration across the programme. In addition it will also review our current understanding of fundamental physical processes that govern the various monsoon climate systems, and discuss a way forward to promote better monsoon predictions. The workshop will be a unique and timely opportunity to promote a new initiative in terms of pan-WCRP monsoon system prediction studies, which will form an essential part of the WCRP COPES (Coordinated Observation and Prediction of the Earth System strategy.
Foci: This workshop will focus on planning future activities that will strengthen and integrate the current WCRP monsoon modelling efforts. In doing so, it will consider fundamental physical processes common to the monsoon systems of Asia-Australia, Africa, and north/south America. Additionally, the monsoon systems need to be understood in the context of the global-scale circulation, which will be particularly important for improving seasonal prediction and for the response of monsoon systems to global change. The observational data requirements for improving and validating the models, including the CEOP data set, will also be discussed.
JSC charge to the Workshop: The WCRP JSC (Joint Scientific Committee) meeting held in March of 2005 has requested this workshop to assess:
(i) the current WCRP monsoon-related activities
(ii) the range of available observations and analyses in monsoon regions
and to propose:
(i) the essential elements of a pan-WCRP monsoon modelling strategy and the implementation procedures,
(ii) the procedure for making any necessary improvements in monsoon observations and analyses in view of modelling and predictions;
(iii) the procedure for making any necessary improvements in monsoon observations and analyses with a view to their adequacy, and addressing any redundancy or duplication
T. Yasunari, Japan (co-convenor)
K. Sperber, US (co-convenor)
H. Cattle, CLIVAR
W. Higgins, US
B. Lau, US
R. Lawford, GEWEX
J. McCreary, US
C. R. Mechoso, US
J. Polcher, France
K. Puri, Australia
J. Slingo, UK
C. Thorncroft, US
B. Wang, US
G.-X. Wu, China
Click to see the meeting agenda, with links to abstracts or presentation files currently available; and the list of participants with contact details.
(1) The facility reserved for the workshop is the University Club (UCLUB) Library room on the University of California, Irvine (UCI) campus. It is an ideal location for a scientific workshop. You can visit the website for information.
(2) Orange County, CA Logistical Information: There is a brief list of useful links for workshop attendees on the GEWEX 5th International Conference Website travel information section.
(3) Ground Transportation: Commercial shuttle services are available from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The average fee is now $50-60 dollars from LAX to Orange County destinations. Two services are Supershuttle and Prime Time. Both companies have convenient passenger pick-up locations outside the airport terminals.
(4) Driving Directions: A campus map and instructions for driving to the campus can be found here.
(5) Bus transport has been arranged to and from the Westin hotel each day. The transport will leave the Westin at 0800 hours, so please assemble before that. If you are staying at another hotel than the Westin you will have to either - (a) walk or take a cab to the Westin (the Wyndham is certainly within walking distance of the Westin) or (b) take a cab or other transport to UCI (some hotels provide transport to UCI as noted in earlier emails).
(6) A continental breakfast will be provided at the venue as will facilities for coffee and tea during the breaks. Because of restricted facilities on campus at the time of the Workshop, we have been advised to have lunch provided for all participants. We will have to make a charge for this and will need to collect cash from each of you, preferably at the start of the meeting.
For local logistical help please contact Diane Hohnbaum.