The SUGGEST AFRICA project will focus on the improvement of existing geo-observing networks in Africa, with particular focus on:
(a) Geodetic networks implemented in collaboration with local partners in Mozambique, Angola, and Nigeria, including stations installed in the framework of some Pan-African projects.
(b) Meteorological sensors, collocated or not with GNSS stations; c) seismographic sensors, collocated with GNSS stations.
The data acquired by these networks, complemented by three field campaigns (Mozambique, Angola, and Nigeria) dedicated to sea level monitoring, will support the research component of SUGGEST AFRICA, focused on:
(a) Improvement of the geoid model in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Angola. The accurate definition of the geoid is essential to delimitate the potential flooding areas due to storms and sea level rise, namely in river deltas and other lowlands.
(b) Analysis of short- and long-term variations of precipitable water vapor (PWV) estimates using GNSS and meteorological observations, particularly for extreme events (cyclones and large storms).
(c) Improvement of the characterization of the seismicity and seismic hazard in Mozambique, where the southward propagation of the East African Rift causes recurrent destructive earthquakes such as the M7 Machaze earthquake of 2006.
Capacity building will be an essential component of the SUGGEST AFRICA project, to ensure continuity of observations over several years beyond the duration of the project, in order to capture secular variations of the observables.
Local staff must be trained to maintain the equipment and to interpret the measurements, through:
(a) Dedicated practical courses for the staff that will operate and maintain the networks.
(b) Short courses on the use of geodetic and seismic data for scientific and technical applications.
(c) Three graduation courses (MSc level) in Portugal. The goal is to contribute for the long-term sustainability of the African research infrastructures.