ESM1.6 Output list and CMIP7 Data Request

We’re putting together a list of variables that ACCESS-ESM1.6 will need to output for the upcoming CMIP7 submission. This helps make sure we’re meeting the right requirements and supporting the most important scientific goals.

Please use the CMIP7 Data Request tool to find the variables linked to the experiments and opportunities your team plans to take part in. The guide below walks you through how to do this step by step.

1. Access the Data Request

2. Identify Relevant Opportunities

  • Opportunities represent high-level scientific or policy use-cases (e.g., “Carbon Cycle and Emissions-Driven Simulations,” “Global Carbon Budget Construction”).
  • In the database, locate the Opportunities table or filter. This section lists all available opportunities with descriptions and justifications.
  • Read through the opportunity titles and descriptions to determine which align with your group’s research interests or institutional priorities.

3. See Associated Experiments

  • Each opportunity is linked to one or more experiments.
  • In the database, select an opportunity of interest. There will be a field or linked table showing all associated experiments.
  • Click on an experiment name to view its details, including experiment design, timeline, and requirements.

4. Filter Variables by Opportunity and Experiment

  • Once you’ve selected an opportunity and experiment, use the database’s filtering tools to display only the variables relevant to your selection.
  • Typically, you can filter the Variables table by both Opportunity and Experiment fields.
  • This will show you the precise list of variables your group would need to output if participating in that opportunity and experiment.

5. Use Experiment Groups: examples DECK and FastTrack

  • Experiment Group is a useful filter to understand which experiments are part of core CMIP activities:
    • DECK (Diagnostic, Evaluation and Characterization of Klima): The foundational experiments required for all participating models. Filter by the “deck” experiment group to see these experiments and their required variables.
    • FastTrack: A set of experiments designed to deliver high-priority outputs for urgent needs (e.g., IPCC AR7). Filter by the “fast-track” experiment group to see these experiments and their variables.
  • Note: FastTrack experiments do not include DECK but are designed to complement them. Reviewing both groups ensures you understand the full set of required and optional outputs for your model.

6. Export and Document Your Selection

  • Exporting Data: The export function in Airtable is only available if you copy the database to your personal or organizational Airtable account.
    • To do this, use the “Copy base” or “Duplicate base” feature in Airtable (you will need an Airtable account).
    • Once copied, you can use Airtable’s export tools (e.g., export to CSV) on your own copy.
  • Documenting Participation:
    • After filtering and exporting, save the relevant variable lists for your group’s planning and implementation.
    • Record which opportunities, experiments, and variables your group will participate in.
    • Share this documentation with your team and update as the Data Request evolves.

Are there instructions for how to export? I couldn’t see anything obvious.

I just realised that the CSV option is for the entire MASTER view…
That’s annoying..

I have edited the post @RachelLaw

I spent some more time digging into the CMIP7 Data Request and put together a spreadsheet titled CMIP7_vars_collab for ACCESS-ESM1.6. It is similar in structure to the document Chloé created for CMIP6.

You can access the spreadsheet here:
CMIP7_vars_collab – Google Sheet

Summary of what I did:

  • I started by listing the variables we submitted for CMIP6 from ACCESS-ESM1.5, based on what is available in project fs38 on Gadi:
    NCI GeoNetwork metadata link

  • I cross-referenced these against the CMIP7 data request, limited to variables in the fast-track and DECK. This is shown in the “All fast-track + DECK” sheet.

  • Variables that have changed since CMIP6 are flagged as require change and highlighted in red.

  • I added missing core variables (required in CMIP7 across all experiments). These are flagged as core missing and highlighted in cyan.

  • I also added missing high-priority variables (not required but of high interest). These are flagged as high missing and highlighted in yellow.

  • I split the full list by realm (aerosol, atmos, atmoschem, land, landice, ocean, oceanBgChem, seaice), using the same colour coding.

  • I grouped variables by DECK experiments for convenience:
    1pctCO2, abrupt-4xCO2, amip, esm-hist, esm-piControl, historical, piClim-4xCO2, piClim-anthro, piClim-control, piControl.

  • The “variable groups” sheet shows the CMIP7 variable groups (core + high only), and which variables we already have from ESM1.5 or are missing.

  • I also included the variable conversion logic we used for ESM1.5 (ACCESS to CMIP6). This will need to be reviewed and updated for CMORisation of ESM1.6.

Key points

To meet CMIP7 core requirements and maintain continuity from ESM1.5, we need to output the green, red and cyan variables at a minimum. The yellow variables are optional.

I counted a minimum of 359 variables across all realms and frequencies.


Action required:

Please review the spreadsheet and let me know:

  • if the list appears appropriate,
  • if anything is missing or misclassified,
  • or if you have any other feedback.