An Informed Guide to Climate Data Sets with Relevance to Earth System Model Evaluation

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The recent proliferation of datasets makes it difficult for individual scientists to know which are most appropriate for specific applications, including evaluation and analysis of increasingly complex and comprehensive Earth System Models (ESMs). The World Climate Research Programme's Working Group on Coupled Modeling has led to new demands for observational assessments and dataset availability for evaluating the forthcoming Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) model runs. This project will establish and maintain a web-based Informed Guide to selected climate data sets of relevance to the evaluation of ESMs. The two main objectives are: 1) to evaluate and assess selected climate datasets, and 2) to provide "expert-user" guidance and advice on the utility and limitations of selected climate data sets. Each component of the earth system will be addressed, including the atmosphere, ocean, land, cryosphere, and biosphere.Broader SignificanceThe Informed Guide is intended to serve as a community resource through broad participation by university and other climate researchers worldwide. The interactive website is expected to enhance the ability of researchers and students to understand data limitations and effectively utilize data in their research. The project will facilitate and enhance access to relevant climate data archives for diagnostic analyses and evaluation of ESMs from a system perspective, including those models participating in the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and CMIP5 activities.