Efforts by many groups have contributed to significantly improving the
number and the spatial distribution of space-geodetic systems for
scientific research and technical applications in Africa. This session
intends to showcase these recent developments, with contributions on
the the geodetic issues (e.g., a common reference frame for the entire
continent) as well as on the multi-disciplinary scientific studies
based on these systems (e.g., present-day tectonics of Africa and its
margins; atmospheric studies; hydrology). We invite contributions
dealing with AFREF, the proposed common reference frame for Africa.
Its materialization will require accurate methodologies in order to
deal with the uneven distribution of existing stations. Specific
problems are faced in some regions where the scarcity of stations is
still a reality and to densify AFREF at national levels. AFREF is also
serving as a framework for studies of the tectonic interactions
between the plates that constitute the African continent and their
neighbors. Reciprocally, understanding the present-day tectonics is
important for best defining AFREF. We expect contributions focused not
only on the internal boundaries of Nubia and Somalia but also on the
other margins of the African continent (e.g. the Nubia-Eurasia plate
boundary). Finally, geodetic studies in Africa can also help address
issues related to climate change, through the monitoring of sea-level
change, atmospheric water vapor, and ground water by ground (e.g. GPS,
DORIS) and space-based (e.g. Grace) sensors. Contributions discussing
these issues are highly welcome.