The Technical Specification of the CMIP6 Data Request
The expansion of CMIP6 required a more systematic approach across the 316 experiments and 22 satellite Model Intercomparison Projects (MIPs). The CMIP6 data request was devised to meet the challenge, enabling 50 modeling groups around the globe to contribute to CMIP6
As the scale of Model Intercomparison Projects (MIPs) has continued to grow over the successive CMIP1, 2, 3, 5, and now 6th phases, there was a need for technological innovation to facilitate next-generation science. The CMIP6 data request has enabled 50 modeling groups and 133 contributing models to coordinate their contributions across 22 satellite MIPs and 316 experiments, and will enable the delivery of climate model data that is being analyzed by 1000's of researchers across the globe.
Climate model evaluation through the Model Intercomparison Projects (MIPs) turns 30 in 2020, with the first Atmospheric MIP (AMIP1), initiated in 1990. Since the early days, climate modeling has matured considerably and now is a key input into the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessments, which also date back to 1990 (FAR). The complexity of climate models has also increased, aided by an expanding scientific community, broadening science questions, and also by the exponential increase in computer power that has aided climate science discovery.
The sixth phase CMIP6 is the latest development in this evolution, completing an expansion in model complexity from atmosphere general circulation models (AGCM) to coupled atmosphere-ocean (AOGCM) to full Earth System Models (ESMs). To better leverage the CMIP6 science resource, advances in the coordination, organization, and construction of the project have taken place, leveraging next-generation technologies to deliver climate model data to a stakeholder community of 10's of thousands around the globe.
The CMIP6 data request is one component of the technological advancement and has facilitated 50 modeling groups and 133 models to contribute to a hugely broadened project that is now overseen by an ever-expanding community, comprising 24 satellite MIPs and 316 experiments. The CMIP6 data request ensures that consistency is maintained across these numerous activities, and consistent and reproducible science is delivered by the project.