The objective of this three-year U.S.-Yugoslav cooperative research project in climate change and mesoscale meteorology between Dragutin Mihailovic of the University of Novi Sad's Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops and Roger A. Pielke of Colorado State University is to investigate land surface - atmosphere interactions. These studies will contribute to improved weather and climate prediction models and enhance understanding of climate impact on ecosystems and the environment. Yugoslav collaboration adds an international dimension to Dr. Pielke's NSF research grant on the Influence of Surface Heat and Moisture Fluxes on Mesoscale Climate and Weather. In his NSF grant, Dr. Pielke developed the RAM model (Regional Atmospheric Modeling). The objective of this cooperation is improvement of the RAM through the development of finer specifications of land surface parameters. Yugoslav involvement consists of integrating soil and vegetation parameterizations into the Colorado State RAMS model and testing its accuracy by using field data derived from the agricultural belt of Yugoslavia. This project was approved by the U.S.-Yugoslav Joint Board on Cooperation in Science and Technology and is supported through a joint fund consisting of matching contributions from the U.S. and Yugoslav governments. The U.S. contribution is provided annually by the Department of State. No NSF funds are involved. The award, except for funds for U.S. scientist travel, is made to the Yugoslav institution. NSF's objective of advancing scientific knowledge will be promoted through this joint scientific effort and complementary expertise of the Yugoslav and U.S. scientists.
