For anything not covered here, email emd@wcrp-cmip.org
Models & Grids¶
Do I need to register separate models for different horizontal resolutions?
Yes. High- and low-resolution versions of the same model are registered as two separate models. This isn't double the work — you only need to define the new grid. If that grid is already registered, you can reference it and skip many of the initial steps.
Do I register the computational grid or the output grid?
Both, if they differ. The computational grid is what the model runs on internally. If output is regridded (e.g. to 0.5°), that output grid also needs a label.
Do I need to register vertical grids?
Only horizontal grids are required for output files. If there is no vertical grid (e.g. sea ice with only lat/long), you can register a "no vertical grid" or omit it entirely.
Can grids be shared across model families?
Yes. Grids are reusable — even ones you didn't create. The same applies to model components. A similarity checker is available to help identify existing grids.
How do I describe a staggered grid?
If you have an Arakawa-B grid you will need to register two grids and if you have an Arakawa-C grid you will need to register three grids. The stagger locations of these grids is captured when you provide the lat-lon location of the western-most of the southern-most grid cells for each grid. For more information see section 7.3 about grid arrangement in the EMD documentation
Registration Process¶
How do I edit an issue description?
Follow the steps in this interactive guide.
When should I use "Modify" vs "Create" on the form?
Use "Create" for new entries. To modify an existing entry, email emd@wcrp-cmip.org. Additive changes (e.g. extra papers, additional information) are generally welcome.
My affiliation isn't listed — what do I do?
Register it using this form. If urgent, complete the registration using the known acronym and submit — it will be held until the affiliation is approved but won't be lost.
Can a registration issue be shared with colleagues?
Yes. Use the Additional Collaborators field in the issue form — they will receive notifications and can contribute.
Does grid registration need to be completed in one go?
Ideally yes. Note that grids require more rigorous review than other fields because grid labels form part of the in-file metadata.
Can I change a grid description that has already been registered?
No. Your grid description may have been used by another modelling group so we would ask you to submit a new grid description.
Timelines & Review¶
Is there a deadline for EMD submission?
There is no fixed date, but EMD registration must be completed before any data is submitted to ESGF. Plan around your own publication timeline.
How do I know when action is required during review?
You will receive a GitHub notification. The Progress Tracker is the easiest place to check — entries needing action are flagged with a flashing red "Changes Requested" label.
Should I reply in the pull request or the issue?
Always reply in the pull request. Replies in the issue will eventually be picked up, but the PR is the primary place for review conversation.
How do I find our where I am in the EMD registration process
The Progress Tracker will show you where you are in the EMD registration process.
Preparation & Spreadsheets¶
Are there spreadsheets I can use for preparation?
Spreadsheet templates are available below to help collate information internally before entering it into GitHub. Use these at your own risk — GitHub forms are always the main entry point for the EMD.
| Form | Spreadsheet |
|---|---|
| Model Family | model_family.xlsx |
| Model | model.xlsx |
| Model Component | model_component.xlsx |
| Horizontal Computational Grid | horizontal_computational_grid.xlsx |
| Horizontal Grid Cell | horizontal_grid_cell.xlsx |
| Vertical Computational Grid | vertical_computational_grid.xlsx |
Further Help¶
- Full field definitions: EMD Specification (Zenodo)
- Progress Tracker: Progress Tracker
- Contact: emd@wcrp-cmip.org