The quantity with standard name angle_of_rotation_from_east_to_x is the angle, anticlockwise reckoned positive, between due East and (dr/di)jk, where r(i,j,k) is the vector 3D position of the point with coordinate indices (i,j,k). It could be used for rotating vector fields between model space and latitude-longitude space.

angle_of_rotation_from_east_to_y

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

The quantity with standard name angle_of_rotation_from_east_to_y is the angle, anticlockwise reckoned positive, between due East and (dr/dj)ik, where r(i,j,k) is the vector 3D position of the point with coordinate indices (i,j,k). It could be used for rotating vector fields between model space and latitude-longitude space.

angstrom_exponent_of_ambient_aerosol_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Alias:

aerosol_angstrom_exponent

"Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). "Ambient aerosol" is aerosol that has taken up ambient water through hygroscopic growth. The extent of hygroscopic growth depends on the relative humidity and the composition of the aerosol. The "Angstrom exponent" appears in the formula relating aerosol optical thickness to the wavelength of incident radiation: T(lambda) = T(lambda0) * [lambda/lambda0] ** (-1 * alpha) where alpha is the Angstrom exponent, lambda is the wavelength of incident radiation, lambda0 is a reference wavelength, T(lambda) and T(lambda0) are the values of aerosol optical thickness at wavelengths lambda and lambda0, respectively.

area_fraction

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

"Area fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area. To specify which area is quantified by a variable of area_fraction, provide a coordinate variable or scalar coordinate variable of land_cover or surface_cover. Alternatively, if one is defined, use a more specific standard name of "X_area_fraction" for the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X.

area_fraction_below_surface

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

AMIP: psbg

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The fraction of horizontal area where the surface specified by the axes other than horizontal axes, for instance an isobaric surface, is below the (ground or sea) surface.

area_type

Unit: 1

Alias:

land_cover

Alias:

surface_cover

A variable with the standard name of area_type contains strings which indicate the nature of the surface e.g. land, sea, sea_ice. These strings are standardised. Values must be taken from the area_type table.

atmosphere_absolute_vorticity

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

GRIB: 41

Absolute vorticity is the sum of relative vorticity and the upward component of vorticity due to the Earth's rotation.

atmosphere_boundary_layer_thickness

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

AMIP: zmla

The atmosphere boundary layer thickness is the "depth" or "height" of the (atmosphere) planetary boundary layer.

atmosphere_cloud_condensed_water_content

Unit: kg m-2

AMIP: clwvi

GRIB: 76

"condensed_water" means liquid and ice. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used.

atmosphere_cloud_ice_content

Unit: kg m-2

AMIP: clivi

GRIB: 58

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

AMIP: tauugwd

atmosphere_energy_content

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

atmosphere_enthalpy_content

Unit: J m-2

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

atmosphere_hybrid_sigma_pressure_coordinate

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

atmosphere_kinetic_energy_content

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

atmosphere_ln_pressure_coordinate

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_black_carbon_dry_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_bromine_chloride

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_bromine_monoxide

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_bromine_nitrate

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_brox_expressed_as_bromine

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. "Clox" describes a family of chemical species consisting of inorganic chlorine compounds with the exception of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and chlorine nitrate (ClONO2). "Clox" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity with a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. "Inorganic chlorine", sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing chlorine (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as seasalt and other aerosols. Standard names that use the term "inorganic_chlorine" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic chlorine species including HCl and ClONO2. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

atmosphere_mass_content_of_dichlorine_peroxide

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_dimethyl_sulfide

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_dinitrogen_pentoxide

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_inorganic_chlorine

Unit: kg m-2

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. "Inorganic chlorine", sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing chlorine (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as seasalt and other aerosols. "Inorganic chlorine" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. Standard names that use the term "clox" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic chlorine species except HCl and ClONO2.

atmosphere_mass_content_of_isoprene

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_limonene

Unit: kg m-2

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_molecular_hydrogen

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitrate_dry_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitrate_radical

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitric_acid

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitric_acid_trihydrate_ambient_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitrogen_monoxide

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitrous_acid

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitrous_oxide

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_nox_expressed_as_nitrogen

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_noy_expressed_as_nitrogen

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. "Noy" describes a family of chemical species. The family usually includes atomic nitrogen (N), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid (HNO3), peroxynitric acid (HNO4), bromine nitrate (BrONO2) , chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) and organic nitrates (most notably peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes referred to as PAN, (CH3COO2NO2)). The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

atmosphere_mass_content_of_oxygenated_hydrocarbons

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_ozone

atmosphere_mass_content_of_radon

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_seasalt_dry_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_secondary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_sulfate_ambient_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

AMIP: trsult

Alias:

atmosphere_content_of_sulfate_aerosol

atmosphere_mass_content_of_sulfate_dry_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_sulfate_expressed_as_sulfur_dry_aerosol

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_sulfur_dioxide

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

atmosphere_mass_content_of_terpenes

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_mass_of_air_per_unit_area

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Mass_of_air" means the mass due solely to the gaseous constituents of the atmosphere. The standard name for the mass including precipitation and aerosol particles is atmosphere_mass_per_unit_area.

atmosphere_mass_per_unit_area

Unit: kg m-2

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. "nmvoc" means non methane volatile organic compounds. "Anthropogenic" means influenced, caused, or created by human activity. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

atmosphere_moles_of_atomic_bromine

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_atomic_chlorine

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_atomic_nitrogen

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_benzene

Unit: mol

atmosphere_moles_of_carbon_dioxide

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_carbon_monoxide

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

Alias:

moles_of_carbon_monoxide_in_atmosphere

atmosphere_moles_of_carbon_tetrachloride

Unit: mol

Alias:

moles_of_carbon_tetrachloride_in_atmosphere

atmosphere_moles_of_cfc11

Unit: mol

Alias:

moles_of_cfc11_in_atmosphere

atmosphere_moles_of_cfc113

Unit: mol

Alias:

atmosphere_moles_of_ethanol

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_ethene

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for ethene is C2H4. Ethene is a member of the group of hydrocarbons known as alkenes. There are standard names for the alkene group as well as for some of the individual species.

atmosphere_moles_of_ethyne

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_formaldehyde

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_formic_acid

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_gaseous_divalent_mercury

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. "Divalent mercury" means all compounds in which the mercury has two binding sites to other ion(s) in a salt or to other atom(s) in a molecule.

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_hydrogen_chloride

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_hydrogen_cyanide

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_hydrogen_peroxide

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_hydroperoxyl_radical

Unit: mol

atmosphere_moles_of_hydroxyl_radical

Unit ref: MOLE

Alias:

moles_of_methyl_bromide_in_atmosphere

atmosphere_moles_of_methyl_chloride

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

Alias:

moles_of_nitrous_oxide_in_atmosphere

atmosphere_moles_of_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. "nmvoc" means non methane volatile organic compounds. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

atmosphere_moles_of_nox_expressed_as_nitrogen

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. "Nox" means a combination of two radical species containing nitrogen and oxygen: NO+NO2. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

atmosphere_moles_of_noy_expressed_as_nitrogen

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. "Noy" describes a family of chemical species. The family usually includes atomic nitrogen (N), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid (HNO3), peroxynitric acid (HNO4), bromine nitrate (BrONO2) , chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) and organic nitrates (most notably peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes referred to as PAN, (CH3COO2NO2)). The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

atmosphere_moles_of_ozone

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_peroxyacetyl_nitrate

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes referred to as PAN, is CH3COO2NO2. The IUPAC name for peroxyacetyl_nitrate is nitroethaneperoxoate.

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

atmosphere_moles_of_sulfur_dioxide

Unit: mol

Unit ref: MOLE

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

atmosphere_net_rate_of_absorption_of_longwave_energy

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"longwave" means longwave radiation. Net absorbed radiation is the difference between absorbed and emitted radiation.

atmosphere_net_rate_of_absorption_of_shortwave_energy

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Net absorbed radiation is the difference between absorbed and emitted radiation.

atmosphere_northward_stress_due_to_gravity_wave_drag

Unit: Pa

atmosphere_optical_thickness_due_to_cloud

Unit: 1

The optical thickness is the integral along the path of radiation of a volume scattering/absorption/attenuation coefficient. The radiative flux is reduced by a factor exp(-optical_thickness) on traversing the path. A coordinate variable of radiation_wavelength or radiation_frequency can be specified to indicate that the optical thickness applies at specific wavelengths or frequencies. The atmosphere optical thickness applies to radiation passing through the entire atmosphere. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

atmosphere_optical_thickness_due_to_convective_cloud

Unit: 1

atmosphere_optical_thickness_due_to_water_in_ambient_aerosol

Unit: 1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. The optical thickness is the integral along the path of radiation of a volume scattering/absorption/attenuation coefficient. The radiative flux is reduced by a factor exp(-optical_thickness) on traversing the path. The atmosphere optical thickness applies to radiation passing through the entire atmosphere. "Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). "atmosphere_optical_thickness_due_to_water_in_ambient_aerosol" refers to the optical thickness due to the water that is associated with aerosol particles due to hygroscopic growth in ambient air, affecting the particle's radius and refractive index. It corresponds to the difference between the total dry aerosol optical thickness and the total ambient aerosol optical thickness.

atmosphere_potential_energy_content

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

atmosphere_relative_vorticity

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

GRIB: 43 E138

Relative vorticity is the upward component of the vorticity vector i.e. the component which arises from horizontal velocity.

atmosphere_sigma_coordinate

Unit: 1

See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

atmosphere_sleve_coordinate

Unit: 1

See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

atmosphere_specific_convective_available_potential_energy

Unit: J kg-1

Alias:

specific_convective_available_potential_energy

"specific" means per unit mass. Potential energy is the sum of the gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the centripetal potential energy. (The geopotential is the specific potential energy.) Convective(ly) available potential energy is often abbreviated as "CAPE".

atmosphere_sulfate_content

Unit: kg m-2

Alias:

atmosphere_so4_content

atmosphere_water_content

Unit: kg m-2

atmosphere_water_vapor_content

Unit: kg m-2

AMIP: prw

GRIB: 54

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. Altitude is the (geometric) height above the geoid, which is the reference geopotential surface. The geoid is similar to mean sea level. "Bedrock" is the solid Earth surface beneath land ice or ocean water. The zero of bedrock altitude change is arbitrary. Isostatic adjustment is the vertical movement of the lithosphere due to changing surface ice and water loads.

bioluminescent_photon_rate_in_sea_water

Unit: s-1 m-3

Unit ref: M3PS

biomass_burning_carbon_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

GRIB: 118

The brightness temperature of a body is the temperature of a black body which radiates the same power per unit solid angle per unit area.

brunt_vaisala_frequency_in_air

Unit: s-1

Frequency is the number of oscillations of a wave per unit time.

canopy_and_surface_water_amount

Unit: kg m-2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Amount" means mass per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. "Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. "Canopy and surface water" means the sum of water on the ground and on the canopy.

canopy_height

Unit: m

Height is the vertical distance above the surface. "Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy.

canopy_temperature

Unit: K

"Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. "Canopy_temperature" is the bulk temperature of the canopy, not the surface (skin) temperature.

canopy_throughfall_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. "Throughfall" is the part of the precipitation flux that reaches the ground directly through the vegetative canopy, through intershrub spaces in the canopy, and as drip from the leaves, twigs, and stems (but not including snowmelt). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

canopy_water_amount

Unit: kg m-2

"Amount" means mass per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. "Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. The canopy water is the water on the canopy.

cell_area

Unit: m2

Unit ref: UMSQ

"Cell_area" is the horizontal area of a gridcell.

cell_thickness

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

"Thickness" means the vertical extent of a layer. "Cell" refers to a model grid-cell.

change_in_atmosphere_energy_content_due_to_change_in_sigma_coordinate_wrt_surface_pressure

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "wrt" means with respect to. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. "Atmosphere energy content" has not yet been precisely defined! Please express your views on this quantity on the CF email list. See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

change_in_energy_content_of_atmosphere_layer_due_to_change_in_sigma_coordinate_wrt_surface_pressure

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "wrt" means with respect to. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

change_over_time_in_atmospheric_water_content_due_to_advection

Unit: kg m-2

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "change_over_time_in_X" means change in a quantity X over a time-interval, which should be defined by the bounds of the time coordinate. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases.

change_over_time_in_surface_snow_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "change_over_time_in_X" means change in a quantity X over a time-interval, which should be defined by the bounds of the time coordinate. "Amount" means mass per unit area. Surface amount refers to the amount on the ground, excluding that on the plant or vegetation canopy.

cloud_albedo

Unit: 1

The albedo of cloud.

cloud_area_fraction

Unit: 1

AMIP: clt

GRIB: 71 E164

cloud_area_fraction_in_atmosphere_layer

Unit: 1

AMIP: cl

"Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. "X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell. Cloud area fraction is also called "cloud amount" and "cloud cover".

cloud_base_altitude

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

cloud_base refers to the base of the lowest cloud. Altitude is the (geometric) height above the geoid, which is the reference geopotential surface. The geoid is similar to mean sea level.

cloud_condensed_water_content_of_atmosphere_layer

convective_cloud_area_fraction

Unit: 1

GRIB: 72 E185

Unit: m s-1

"Precipitation rate" means the depth or thickness of the layer formed by precipitation per unit time.

convective_rainfall_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

convective_rainfall_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

convective_rainfall_rate

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

convective_snowfall_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

GRIB: 78

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

convective_snowfall_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

coriolis_parameter

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

The Coriolis parameter is twice the component of the earth's angular velocity about the local vertical i.e. 2 W sin L, where L is latitude and W the angular speed of the earth.

correction_for_model_negative_specific_humidity

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

A numerical correction which is added to modelled negative specific humidities in order to obtain a value of zero.

depth

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

Depth is the vertical distance below the surface.

depth_at_maximum_upward_derivative_of_sea_water_potential_temperature

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

This quantity, often used to indicate the "thermocline depth", is the depth of the maximum vertical gradient of sea water potential temperature. Depth is the vertical distance below the surface. Potential temperature is the temperature a parcel of air or sea water would have if moved adiabatically to sea level pressure.

depth_of_isosurface_of_sea_water_potential_temperature

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

This quantity, sometimes called the "isotherm depth", is the depth (if it exists) at which the sea water potential temperature equals some specified value. This value should be specified in a scalar coordinate variable. Depth is the vertical distance below the surface. Potential temperature is the temperature a parcel of air or sea water would have if moved adiabatically to sea level pressure.

dew_point_depression

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

GRIB: 18

Dew point depression is also called dew point deficit. It is the amount by which the air temperature exceeds its dew point temperature. Dew point temperature is the temperature at which a parcel of air reaches saturation upon being cooled at constant pressure and specific humidity.

dew_point_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

GRIB: 17

Dew point temperature is the temperature at which a parcel of air reaches saturation upon being cooled at constant pressure and specific humidity.

difference_of_air_pressure_from_model_reference

Unit: Pa

In some atmosphere models, the difference of air pressure from model reference is a prognostic variable, instead of the air pressure itself. The model reference air pressure is a model-dependent constant.

dimensionless_exner_function

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

The term "Exner function" is applied to various quantities in the literature. "Dimensionless Exner function" is the standard name of (p/p0)^(R/Cp), where p is pressure, p0 a reference pressure, R the gas constant and Cp the specific heat at constant pressure. This quantity is also the ratio of in-situ to potential temperature. Standard names for other variants can be defined on request.

direction_of_sea_ice_velocity

Unit: degree

GRIB: 93

"direction_of_X" means direction of a vector, a bearing. A velocity is a vector quantity. Sea ice velocity is defined as a two-dimensional vector, with no vertical component.

direction_of_sea_water_velocity

Unit: degree

GRIB: 47

"direction_of_X" means direction of a vector, a bearing. A velocity is a vector quantity.

dissipation_in_atmosphere_boundary_layer

Unit: W m-2

GRIB: E145

divergence_of_sea_ice_velocity

Unit: s-1

GRIB: 98

"[horizontal_]divergence_of_X" means [horizontal] divergence of a vector X; if X does not have a vertical component then "horizontal" should be omitted. A velocity is a vector quantity. Sea ice velocity is defined as a two-dimensional vector, with no vertical component.

divergence_of_wind

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

GRIB: 44 E155

"[horizontal_]divergence_of_X" means [horizontal] divergence of a vector X; if X does not have a vertical component then "horizontal" should be omitted. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

downward_dry_static_energy_flux_due_to_diffusion

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

downward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

GRIB: 124

"Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). "Downward eastward" indicates the ZX component of a tensor. Momentum flux is dimensionally equivalent to stress and pressure. It is a tensor quantity. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

downward_eastward_stress_at_sea_ice_base

Unit: Pa

"Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). "Downward eastward" indicates the ZX component of a tensor. A downward eastward stress is a downward flux of eastward momentum, which accelerates the lower medium eastward and the upper medium westward.

downward_heat_flux_at_ground_level_in_snow

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

ground_level means the land surface (beneath the snow and surface water, if any). "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

Unit: W m-2

downward_heat_flux_in_soil

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

downward_northward_momentum_flux_in_air

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

GRIB: 125

"Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). "Downward northward" indicates the ZY component of a tensor. Momentum flux is dimensionally equivalent to stress and pressure. It is a tensor quantity. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

downward_northward_stress_at_sea_ice_base

Unit: Pa

"Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). "Downward northward" indicates the ZY component of a tensor. A downward northward stress is a downward flux of northward momentum, which accelerates the lower medium northward and the upper medium southward.

downward_sea_ice_basal_salt_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

downward_water_vapor_flux_in_air_due_to_diffusion

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

downward_x_stress_at_sea_ice_base

Unit: Pa

downward_y_stress_at_sea_ice_base

Unit: Pa

downwelling_longwave_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

"longwave" means longwave radiation. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

downwelling_longwave_radiance_in_air

Unit: W m-2 sr-1

"longwave" means longwave radiation. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction from which it is coming must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead.

downwelling_photon_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". A photon flux is specified in terms of numbers of photons expressed in moles. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

downwelling_photon_radiance_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1 sr-1

downwelling_photon_spherical_irradiance_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Photon spherical irradiance is the photon flux incident on unit area of a hemispherical (or "2-pi") collector. A photon flux is specified in terms of numbers of photons expressed in moles.

downwelling_photosynthetic_photon_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "Photosynthetic" radiation is the part of the spectrum which is used in photosynthesis e.g. 300-700 nm. The range of wavelengths could be specified precisely by the bounds of a coordinate of radiation_wavelength. A photon flux is specified in terms of numbers of photons expressed in moles. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

downwelling_photosynthetic_photon_radiance_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1 sr-1

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Photon radiance is the photon flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction from which it is coming must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead. "Photosynthetic" radiation is the part of the spectrum which is used in photosynthesis e.g. 300-700 nm. The range of wavelengths could be specified precisely by the bounds of a coordinate of radiation_wavelength. A photon flux is specified in terms of numbers of photons expressed in moles.

downwelling_photosynthetic_photon_spherical_irradiance_in_sea_water

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

downwelling_spectral_radiative_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2 m-1

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

downwelling_spectral_spherical_irradiance_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2 m-1

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. Spherical irradiance is the radiation incident on unit area of a hemispherical (or "2-pi") collector. It is sometimes called "scalar irradiance". The direction (up/downwelling) is specified. Radiation incident on a 4-pi collector has standard names of "omnidirectional spherical irradiance".

downwelling_spherical_irradiance_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2

Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Spherical irradiance is the radiation incident on unit area of a hemispherical (or "2-pi") collector. It is sometimes called "scalar irradiance". The direction (up/downwelling) is specified. Radiation incident on a 4-pi collector has standard names of "omnidirectional spherical irradiance".

dry_energy_content_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Dry energy is the sum of dry static energy and kinetic energy. Dry static energy is the sum of enthalpy and potential energy (itself the sum of gravitational and centripetal potential energy). Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

dry_static_energy_content_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Dry static energy is the sum of enthalpy and potential energy (itself the sum of gravitational and centripetal potential energy). Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

duration_of_sunshine

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The WMO definition of sunshine is that the surface incident radiative flux from the solar beam (i.e. excluding diffuse skylight) exceeds 120 W m-2. "Duration" is the length of time for which a condition holds.

dynamic_tropopause_potential_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

The dynamical tropopause used in interpreting the dynamics of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. There are various definitions of dynamical tropopause in the scientific literature.

eastward_atmosphere_dry_static_energy_transport_across_unit_distance

Unit: W m-1

Unit ref: WAPM

"Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Transport across_unit_distance means expressed per unit distance normal to the direction of transport. Dry static energy is the sum of enthalpy and potential energy (itself the sum of gravitational and centripetal potential energy). Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

eastward_atmosphere_water_transport_across_unit_distance

Unit: kg s-1 m-1

Unit ref: KMPS

"Water" means water in all phases. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Transport across_unit_distance means expressed per unit distance normal to the direction of transport.

eastward_atmosphere_water_vapor_transport_across_unit_distance

Unit: kg m-1 s-1

Unit ref: KMPS

eastward_mass_flux_of_air

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

"Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

eastward_momentum_flux_correction

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

AMIP: tauucorr

"Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Momentum flux is dimensionally equivalent to stress and pressure. It is a tensor quantity. Flux correction is also called "flux adjustment". A positive flux correction is downward i.e. added to the ocean. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

eastward_water_vapor_transport_across_unit_distance_in_atmosphere_layer

Unit: kg m-1 s-1

Unit ref: KMPS

"Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Transport across_unit_distance means expressed per unit distance normal to the direction of transport.

eastward_wind

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

AMIP: ua

GRIB: 33 E131

"Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

eastward_wind_shear

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

GRIB: 45

effective_radius_of_convective_cloud_ice_particle

Unit: m

The effective radius of a size distribution of particles, such as aerosols, cloud droplets or ice crystals, is the area weighted mean radius of particle size. It is calculated as the ratio of the third to the second moment of the particle size distribution. Convective cloud is that produced by the convection schemes in an atmosphere model.

effective_radius_of_convective_cloud_liquid_water_particle

Unit: m

effective_radius_of_convective_cloud_rain_particle

Unit: m

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

equilibrium_line_altitude

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

Altitude is the (geometric) height above the geoid, which is the reference geopotential surface. The geoid is similar to mean sea level. The equilibrium line is the locus of points on a land ice surface at which ice accumulation balances ice ablation over the year.

equivalent_potential_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

Potential temperature is the temperature a parcel of air or sea water would have if moved adiabatically to sea level pressure.

equivalent_pressure_of_atmosphere_ozone_content

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

equivalent_reflectivity_factor

Unit: dBZ

Unit ref: UDBZ

"Equivalent relectivity factor" is the radar reflectivity factor that is calculated from the measured radar return power assuming the target is composed of liquid water droplets whose diameter is less than one tenth of the radar wavelength, i.e., treating the droplets as Rayleigh scatterers. The actual radar reflectivity factor would depend on the size distribution and composition of the particles within the target volume and these are often unknown.

equivalent_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

equivalent_thickness_at_stp_of_atmosphere_ozone_content

Unit: m

GRIB: 10

Alias:

equivalent_thickness_at_stp_of_atmosphere_o3_content

"stp" means standard temperature (0 degC) and pressure (101325 Pa). "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. The equivalent thickness at STP of a particular constituent of the atmosphere is the thickness of the layer that the gas would occupy if it was separated from the other constituents and gathered together at STP.

ertel_potential_vorticity

Unit: K m2 kg-1 s-1

Unit ref: KMSS

AMIP: vorpot

floating_ice_thickness

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

"Floating ice" means any ice that is floating on water, e.g. on a sea or lake surface. "Thickness" means the vertical extent of the ice.

forecast_period

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

Forecast period is the time interval between the forecast reference time and the validity time. A period is an interval of time, or the time-period of an oscillation.

forecast_reference_time

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The forecast reference time in NWP is the "data time", the time of the analysis from which the forecast was made. It is not the time for which the forecast is valid; the standard name of time should be used for that time.

fractional_saturation_of_oxygen_in_sea_water

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Fractional saturation is the ratio of some measure of concentration to the saturated value of the same quantity.

AMIP: zg

GRIB: 7 E156

Geopotential is the sum of the specific gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the specific centripetal potential energy. Geopotential height is the geopotential divided by the standard acceleration due to gravity. It is numerically similar to the altitude (or geometric height) and not to the quantity with standard name height, which is relative to the surface.

geopotential_height_anomaly

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

Latitude is positive northward; its units of degree_north (or equivalent) indicate this explicitly. In a latitude-longitude system defined with respect to a rotated North Pole, the standard name of grid_latitude should be used instead of latitude. Grid latitude is positive in the grid-northward direction, but its units should be plain degree.

grid_longitude

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

Longitude is positive eastward; its units of degree_east (or equivalent) indicate this explicitly. In a latitude-longitude system defined with respect to a rotated North Pole, the standard name of grid_longitude should be used instead of longitude. Grid longitude is positive in the grid-eastward direction, but its units should be plain degree.

gross_primary_productivity_of_carbon

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Gross primary productivity is the rate of synthesis of biomass per unit area from inorganic precursors by autotrophs, especially by photosynthesising plants using sunlight for energy. The producers also respire some of this biomass and the difference is net_primary_producivity. "Productivity of carbon" refers to the production of biomass expressed as the mass of carbon which it contains.

heat_flux_correction

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: hfcorr

Flux correction is also called "flux adjustment". A positive flux correction is downward i.e. added to the ocean. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

heat_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_iceberg_thermodynamics

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. " Iceberg thermodynamics" refers to the addition or subtraction of mass due to surface and basal fluxes, i.e., due to melting, sublimation and fusion.

heat_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_newtonian_relaxation

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. The heat_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_newtonian_relaxation is the heat flux resulting from the Newtonian relaxation of the sea surface temperature. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

heat_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_sea_ice_thermodynamics

Unit: W m-2

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Sea ice thermodynamics" refers to the addition or subtraction of mass due to surface and basal fluxes, i.e., due to melting, sublimation and fusion.

heat_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_snow_thermodynamics

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Snow thermodynamics" refers to the addition or subtraction of mass due to surface and basal fluxes, i.e., due to melting, sublimation and fusion.

height

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

AMIP: zh

Height is the vertical distance above the surface.

height_above_reference_ellipsoid

Unit: m

Height is the vertical distance above a surface. A reference ellipsoid is a mathematical figure that approximates the geoid. The geoid is a surface of constant geopotential with which mean sea level would coincide if the ocean were at rest. The ellipsoid is an approximation because the geoid is an irregular shape. A number of reference ellipsoids are defined for use in the field of geodesy.

height_above_sea_floor

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

height_at_cloud_top

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

cloud_top refers to the top of the highest cloud. Height is the vertical distance above the surface.

heterotrophic_respiration_carbon_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"Respiration carbon" refers to the rate at which biomass is respired expressed as the mass of carbon which it contains. Heterotrophic respiration is respiration by heterotrophs ("consumers"), which are organisms (including animals and decomposers) that consume other organisms or dead organic material, rather than synthesising organic material from inorganic precursors using energy from the environment (especially sunlight) as autotrophs ("producers") do. Heterotrophic respiration goes on both above and within the soil. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

histogram_of_backscattering_ratio_over_height_above_reference_ellipsoid

Unit: 1

histogram_of_equivalent_reflectivity_factor_over_height_above_reference_ellipsoid

Unit: 1

horizontal_atmosphere_dry_energy_transport

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

Dry energy is the sum of dry static energy and kinetic energy. Dry static energy is the sum of enthalpy and potential energy (itself the sum of gravitational and centripetal potential energy). Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

horizontal_dry_energy_transport_in_atmosphere_layer

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Dry energy is the sum of dry static energy and kinetic energy. Dry static energy is the sum of enthalpy and potential energy (itself the sum of gravitational and centripetal potential energy). Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

humidity_mixing_ratio

Unit: W s m-2

"integral_of_Y_wrt_X" means int Y dX. The data variable should have an axis for X specifying the limits of the integral as bounds. "wrt" means with respect to. "toa" means top of atmosphere. "Longwave" means longwave radiation. The TOA outgoing longwave flux is the upwelling thermal radiative flux, often called the "outgoing longwave radiation" or "OLR". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

isccp_cloud_area_fraction

Unit: 1

AMIP: clisccp

"X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell. Cloud area fraction is also called "cloud amount" and "cloud cover". The cloud area fraction is for the whole atmosphere column, as seen from the surface or the top of the atmosphere. The cloud area fraction in a layer of the atmosphere has the standard name cloud_area_fraction_in_atmosphere_layer. The ISCCP cloud area fraction is diagnosed from atmosphere model output by the ISCCP simulator software in such a way as to be comparable with the observational diagnostics of ISCCP (the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project).

isotropic_longwave_radiance_in_air

Unit: W m-2 sr-1

Unit ref: WMSS

Alias:

longwave_radiance

"longwave" means longwave radiation. Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. If radiation is isotropic, the radiance is independent of direction, so the direction should not be specified. If the radiation is directionally dependent, a standard name of upwelling or downwelling radiance should be chosen instead.

isotropic_shortwave_radiance_in_air

Unit: W m-2 sr-1

Unit ref: WMSS

Alias:

shortwave_radiance

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. If radiation is isotropic, the radiance is independent of direction, so the direction should not be specified. If the radiation is directionally dependent, a standard name of upwelling or downwelling radiance should be chosen instead.

isotropic_spectral_radiance_in_air

Unit: W m-2 m-1 sr-1

Alias:

spectral_radiance

"spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. If radiation is isotropic, the radiance is independent of direction, so the direction should not be specified. If the radiation is directionally dependent, a standard name of upwelling or downwelling radiance should be chosen instead.

kinetic_energy_content_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure

Unit: Pa s-1

AMIP: wap

GRIB: 39 E135

Alias:

omega

Alias:

vertical_air_velocity_expressed_as_tendency_of_pressure

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The Lagrangian tendency of a quantity is its rate of change following the motion of the fluid, also called the "material derivative" or "convective derivative". The Lagrangian tendency of air pressure, often called "omega", plays the role of the upward component of air velocity when air pressure is being used as the vertical coordinate. If the vertical air velocity is upwards, it is negative when expressed as a tendency of air pressure; downwards is positive.

lagrangian_tendency_of_atmosphere_sigma_coordinate

Unit: s-1

GRIB: 38

Alias:

upward_air_velocity_expressed_as_tendency_of_sigma

Alias:

vertical_air_velocity_expressed_as_tendency_of_sigma

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The Lagrangian tendency of a quantity is its rate of change following the motion of the fluid, also called the "material derivative" or "convective derivative". The Lagrangian tendency of sigma plays the role of the upward component of air velocity when the atmosphere sigma coordinate (a dimensionless atmosphere vertical coordinate) is being used as the vertical coordinate. If the vertical air velocity is upwards, it is negative when expressed as a tendency of sigma; downwards is positive. See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

land_area_fraction

Unit: 1

AMIP: sftlf

GRIB: 81

"X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell.

land_binary_mask

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

GRIB: E172

X_binary_mask has 1 where condition X is met, 0 elsewhere. 1 = land, 0 = sea.

land_ice_area_fraction

Unit: 1

AMIP: sftgif

"X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell. "Land ice" means glaciers, ice-caps and ice-sheets resting on bedrock.

land_ice_basal_melt_rate

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

land_ice_sigma_coordinate

Unit: m s-1

land_ice_y_velocity

Unit: m s-1

large_scale_cloud_area_fraction

Unit: 1

large_scale_graupel_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

large_scale_precipitation_amount

Unit: kg m-2

GRIB: 62

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

latitude

Unit: degree_north

Unit ref: DEGN

AMIP: latitude

leaf_area_index

Unit: 1

lwe_convective_precipitation_rate

Unit: m s-1

Alias:

convective_precipitation_rate

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent.

lwe_convective_snowfall_rate

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent.

lwe_large_scale_precipitation_rate

Unit: m s-1

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent.

lwe_large_scale_snowfall_rate

Unit: m s-1

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent.

lwe_precipitation_rate

Unit: m s-1

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent.

lwe_snowfall_rate

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent.

lwe_thickness_of_atmosphere_water_vapor_content

Unit: m

GRIB: E137

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent. The construction lwe_thickness_of_X_amount or _content means the vertical extent of a layer of liquid water having the same mass per unit area. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. Atmosphere water vapor content is sometimes referred to as "precipitable water", although this term does not imply the water could all be precipitated.

lwe_thickness_of_canopy_water_amount

Unit: m

"lwe" means liquid water equivalent. "Amount" means mass per unit area. The construction lwe_thickness_of_X_amount or _content means the vertical extent of a layer of liquid water having the same mass per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. "Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. The canopy water is the water on the canopy.

lwe_thickness_of_convective_precipitation_amount

Unit: m

GRIB: E143

lwe_thickness_of_convective_snowfall_amount

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

lwe_thickness_of_frozen_water_content_of_soil_layer

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

"frozen_water" means ice. "lwe" means liquid water equivalent. The construction lwe_thickness_of_X_amount or _content means the vertical extent of a layer of liquid water having the same mass per unit area. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Quantities defined for a soil layer must have a vertical coordinate variable with boundaries indicating the extent of the layer(s).

lwe_thickness_of_large_scale_precipitation_amount

Unit: m

GRIB: E141

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "lwe" means liquid water equivalent. "Amount" means mass per unit area. The construction lwe_thickness_of_X_amount or _content means the vertical extent of a layer of liquid water having the same mass per unit area. Surface amount refers to the amount on the ground, excluding that on the plant or vegetation canopy.

lwe_thickness_of_water_evaporation_amount

Unit: m

Unit: kg m-3

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_biogenic_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Mass concentration means mass per unit volume and is used in the construction mass_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. Condensed water means liquid and ice.

mass_concentration_of_diatoms_expressed_as_carbon_in_sea_water

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_diatoms_expressed_as_nitrogen_in_sea_water

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_dichlorine_peroxide_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_dimethyl_sulfide_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_dinitrogen_pentoxide_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Unit: kg m-3

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_hcfc142b_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_hydroperoxyl_radical_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_hydroxyl_radical_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_hypobromous_acid_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_hypochlorous_acid_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_inorganic_bromine_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Mass concentration means mass per unit volume and is used in the construction mass_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Inorganic bromine", sometimes referred to as Bry, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing bromine (halons, methyl bromide, VSLS) and natural inorganic bromine sources such as volcanoes, seasalt and other aerosols. "Inorganic bromine" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. Standard names that use the term "brox" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic bromine species except HBr and BrONO2.

mass_concentration_of_inorganic_chlorine_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Mass concentration means mass per unit volume and is used in the construction mass_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Inorganic chlorine", sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing chlorine (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as seasalt and other aerosols. "Inorganic chlorine" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. Standard names that use the term "clox" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic chlorine species except HCl and ClONO2.

mass_concentration_of_isoprene_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_limonene_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_molecular_hydrogen_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_nitrate_dry_aerosol_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_nitrate_radical_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_nitric_acid_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_nitric_acid_trihydrate_ambient_aerosol_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_nitrogen_dioxide_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_nitrogen_monoxide_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_nitrous_acid_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_nitrous_oxide_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

mass_concentration_of_nox_expressed_as_nitrogen_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_noy_expressed_as_nitrogen_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Mass concentration means mass per unit volume and is used in the construction mass_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Noy" describes a family of chemical species. The family usually includes atomic nitrogen (N), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid (HNO3), peroxynitric acid (HNO4), bromine nitrate (BrONO2) , chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) and organic nitrates (most notably peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes referred to as PAN, (CH3COO2NO2)). The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

mass_concentration_of_organic_detritus_expressed_as_carbon_in_sea_water

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_organic_detritus_expressed_as_nitrogen_in_sea_water

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_oxygenated_hydrocarbons_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_oxygen_in_sea_water

Unit ref: UKMC

mass_concentration_of_seasalt_dry_aerosol_in_air

concentration_of_suspended_matter_in_sea_water

mass_concentration_of_terpenes_in_air

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Unit ref: UUUU

mass_fraction_of_biogenic_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon_in_air

Unit: 1

mass_fraction_of_black_carbon_dry_aerosol_in_air

Unit: 1

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X). "Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). Aerosol takes up ambient water (a process known as hygroscopic growth) depending on the relative humidity and the composition of the aerosol. "Dry aerosol" means aerosol without water. Black carbon aerosol is composed of elemental carbon. It is strongly light absorbing.

mass_fraction_of_bromine_chloride_in_air

Unit: 1

mass_fraction_of_bromine_monoxide_in_air

Unit: 1

mass_fraction_of_bromine_nitrate_in_air

Unit: 1

mass_fraction_of_brox_expressed_as_bromine_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

AMIP: cli

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X).

mass_fraction_of_cloud_liquid_water_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

AMIP: clw

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X).

mass_fraction_of_clox_expressed_as_chlorine_in_air

Unit: 1

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X). A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Clox" describes a familyof chemical species consisting of inorganic chlorine compounds with the exception of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and chlorine nitrate (ClONO2). "Clox" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity with a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. "Inorganic chlorine", sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing chlorine (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as seasalt and other aerosols. Standard names that use the term "inorganic_chlorine" are used for quantitiesthat contain all inorganic chlorine species including HCl and ClONO2. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A.It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

mass_fraction_of_convective_cloud_condensed_water_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Alias:

mass_fraction_of_convective_condensed_water_in_air

mass_fraction_of_convective_cloud_ice_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X). Convective cloud is that produced by the convection schemes in an atmosphere model.

mass_fraction_of_convective_cloud_liquid_water_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit: 1

mass_fraction_of_inorganic_chlorine_in_air

Unit: 1

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X). A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Noy" describes a family of chemical species. The family usually includes atomic nitrogen (N), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid (HNO3), peroxynitric acid (HNO4), bromine nitrate (BrONO2) , chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) and organic nitrates (most notably peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes referred to as PAN, (CH3COO2NO2)). The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

mass_fraction_of_oxygenated_hydrocarbons_in_air

Unit: 1

mass_fraction_of_ozone_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Alias:

mass_fraction_of_o3_in_air

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X).

mass_fraction_of_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit: 1

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X).

mass_fraction_of_primary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol_in_air

Unit: 1

mass_fraction_of_snow_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X).

mass_fraction_of_stratiform_cloud_ice_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X). In an atmosphere model, stratiform cloud is that produced by large-scale convergence (not the convection schemes).

mass_fraction_of_stratiform_cloud_liquid_water_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

mass_fraction_of_sulfate_dry_aerosol_in_air

Unit: 1

Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X). "Mass_fraction_of_sulfate" means that the mass is expressed as mass of SO4. "Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). Aerosol takes up ambient water (a process known as hygroscopic growth) depending on the relative humidity and the composition of the aerosol. "Dry aerosol" means aerosol without water.

mass_fraction_of_sulfur_dioxide_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Unit: W m-2

"Minus one times" means that the quantity described takes the opposite sign convention to that for the quantity which has the same standard name apart from this phrase, i.e. the two quantities differ from one another by a factor of -1. The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "longwave" means longwave radiation. Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

minus_one_times_surface_upwelling_shortwave_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

"Minus one times" means that the quantity described takes the opposite sign convention to that for the quantity which has the same standard name apart from this phrase, i.e. the two quantities differ from one another by a factor of -1. The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

minus_one_times_toa_outgoing_shortwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"Minus one times" means that the quantity described takes the opposite sign convention to that for the quantity which has the same standard name apart from this phrase, i.e. the two quantities differ from one another by a factor of -1. Shortwave means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. The TOA outgoing shortwave flux is the reflected and scattered solar radiative flux i.e. the "upwelling" TOA shortwave flux, sometimes called the "outgoing shortwave radiation" or "OSR". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

minus_one_times_water_flux_into_sea_water_from_rivers

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The quantity minus_one_times_water_flux_into_sea_water_from_rivers is the quantity with standard name water_flux_into_sea_water_from_rivers multiplied by -1. "Water" means water in all phases. The water flux or volume transport into sea water from rivers is the inflow to the ocean, often applied to the surface in ocean models. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

model_level_number

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

AMIP: lev

Model level number should be understood as equivalent to layer number.

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

AMIP: mrsofcs

"moisture" means water in all phases contained in soil. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Quantities defined for a soil layer must have a vertical coordinate variable with boundaries indicating the extent of the layer(s). The field capacity of soil is the maximum content of water it can retain against gravitational drainage.

mole_concentration_of_acetic_acid_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_chlorine_monoxide_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_chlorine_nitrate_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_clox_expressed_as_chlorine_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Mole concentration means number of moles per unit volume, also called "molarity", and is used in the construction mole_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Clox"describes a family of chemical species consisting of inorganic chlorine compounds with theexception of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and chlorine nitrate (ClONO2). "Clox" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are representedwithin a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity with a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, byusing a comment attribute. "Inorganic chlorine", sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing chlorine (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as seasaltand other aerosols. Standard names that use the term "inorganic_chlorine" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic chlorine species including HCl and ClONO2. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculatedsolely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents ofA.

mole_concentration_of_diatoms_expressed_as_nitrogen_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-3

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_ethyne_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_formaldehyde_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_formic_acid_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_gaseous_divalent_mercury_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_gaseous_elemental_mercury_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_hcfc142b_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_hydroperoxyl_radical_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_hydroxyl_radical_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_hypobromous_acid_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_hypochlorous_acid_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_inorganic_bromine_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Mole concentration means number of moles per unit volume, also called "molarity", and is used in the construction mole_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Inorganic bromine", sometimes referred to as Bry, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing bromine (halons, methyl bromide, VSLS) and natural inorganic bromine sources such as volcanoes, seasalt and other aerosols. "Inorganic bromine" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. Standard names that use the term "brox" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic bromine species except HBr and BrONO2.

mole_concentration_of_inorganic_chlorine_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Mole concentration means number of moles per unit volume, also called "molarity", and is used in the construction mole_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Inorganic chlorine", sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing chlorine (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as seasalt and other aerosols. "Inorganic chlorine" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that arerepresented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. Standard names that use the term "clox"are used for quantities that contain all inorganic chlorine species except HCl and ClONO2.

mole_concentration_of_isoprene_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_limonene_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_mesozooplankton_expressed_as_nitrogen_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_nitrous_acid_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_nitrous_oxide_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon_in_air

mole_concentration_of_organic_detritus_in_sea_water_expressed_as_silicon

mole_concentration_of_ozone_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_peroxyacetyl_nitrate_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_peroxynitric_acid_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_phosphate_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_phytoplankton_expressed_as_nitrogen_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-3

Alias:

mole_concentration_of_phytoplankton_in_sea_water_expressed_as_nitrogen

mole_concentration_of_propane_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_propene_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_radon_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_silicate_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

Mole concentration means moles (amount of substance) per unit volume and is used in the construction mole_concentration_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_concentration_of_sulfur_dioxide_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_toluene_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

mole_concentration_of_water_vapor_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_concentration_of_xylene_in_air

Unit: mol m-3

Unit ref: MLM3

mole_fraction_of_acetic_acid_in_air

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. The chemicalformula for acetic_acid is CH3COOH. The IUPAC name for acetic acid is ethanoic acid.

mole_fraction_of_aceto_nitrile_in_air

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. The chemicalformula for aceto-nitrile is CH3CN. The IUPAC name for aceto-nitrile is ethanenitrile.

mole_fraction_of_alpha_hexachlorocyclohexane_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_alpha_pinene_in_air

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. The chemicalformula for alpha_pinene is C10H16. The IUPAC name for alpha-pinene is (1S,5S)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene.

mole_fraction_of_ammonia_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. The chemicalformula for beta_pinene is C10H16. The IUPAC name for beta-pinene is (1S,5S)-6,6-dimethyl-2-methylenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane.

mole_fraction_of_biogenic_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "nmvoc" means non methane volatile organic compounds. "Biogenic" means influenced, caused, or created by natural processes. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

mole_fraction_of_bromine_chloride_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. The chemical formula of bromine chloride is BrCl.

mole_fraction_of_bromine_monoxide_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. The chemical formula of bromine monoxide is BrO.

mole_fraction_of_bromine_nitrate_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. The chemical formula of bromine nitrate is BrONO2.

mole_fraction_of_brox_expressed_as_bromine_in_air

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Brox" describes a family of chemical species consisting of inorganic bromine compounds withthe exception of hydrogen bromide (HBr) and bromine nitrate (BrONO2). "Brox" isthe term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity with a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. "Inorganic bromine", sometimes referred to as Bry, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gases containing bromine (halons, methyl bromide, VSLS) and natural inorganic bromine sources such as volcanoes, seasalt and other aerosols. Standard names that use the term "inorganic_bromine" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic bromine species includingHCl and ClONO2. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. The chemical formula of carbon tetrachloride is CCl4.

mole_fraction_of_cfc113a_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Clox" describes a family of chemical species consisting of inorganic chlorine compounds withthe exception of hydrogen chloride (HCl) and chlorine nitrate (ClONO2). "Clox" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity with a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. "Inorganic chlorine", sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of source gasescontaining chlorine (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as seasalt and other aerosols. Standard names that use the term "inorganic_chlorine" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic chlorine species including HCl and ClONO2. The phrase 'expressed_as' is used in the construction A_expressed_as_B, where B is a chemical constituent of A. It means that the quantity indicated by the standard name is calculated solely with respect to the B contained in A, neglecting all other chemical constituents of A.

Unit: 1

mole_fraction_of_ethene_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_ethyne_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_formaldehyde_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Unit: 1

Alias:

mole_fraction_of_total_inorganic_bromine_in_air

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. "Inorganic bromine", sometimes referred to as Bry, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of bromine containing source gases (halons, methyl bromide, VSLS) and natural inorganic bromine sources such as volcanoes, seasalt and other aerosols. "Inorganic bromine" is the term used in standard names for all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model. The list of individual species that are included in a quantity having a group chemical standard name can vary between models. Where possible, the data variable should be accompanied by a complete description of the species represented, for example, by using a comment attribute. Standard names that use the term "brox" are used for quantities that contain all inorganic bromine species except HBr and BrONO2.

mole_fraction_of_inorganic_chlorine_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. "Inorganic chlorine",sometimes referred to as Cly, describes a family of chemical species which result from the degradation of chlorine-containing source gases (CFCs, HCFCs, VSLS) and natural inorganic chlorine sources such as sea-salt and other aerosols. mole_fraction_of_inorganic_chlorine is the sum of all species belonging to the family that are represented within a given model.

mole_fraction_of_isoprene_in_air

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_limonene_in_air

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. The chemicalformula for limonene is C10H16. The IUPAC name for limonene is 1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-yl-cyclohexene. Limonene is a member of the group of hydrocarbons known as terpenes. There arestandard names for the terpene group as well as for some of the individual species.

mole_fraction_of_methane_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. The chemicalformula for methyl_peroxy_radical is CH3O2. In chemistry, a 'radical' is a highly reactive, and therefore shortlived, species.

mole_fraction_of_molecular_hydrogen_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. The chemical formula of molecular hydrogen is H2.

mole_fraction_of_nitrate_radical_in_air

Unit: 1

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, whereX is a material constituent of Y. A chemical species denoted by X may be described by a single term such as 'nitrogen' or a phrase such as 'nox_expressed_as_nitrogen'. In chemistry, a 'radical' is a highly reactive, and therefore shortlived, species.

mole_fraction_of_nitric_acid_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

Unit: 1

mole_fraction_of_nitrous_oxide_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Alias:

mole_fraction_of_o3_in_air

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_peroxyacetyl_nitrate_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_peroxynitric_acid_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. The chemical formula of peroxynitric acid is HNO4.

mole_fraction_of_propane_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_propene_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

mole_fraction_of_radon_in_air

Unit: 1

mole_fraction_of_sulfur_dioxide_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Mole fraction is used in the construction mole_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

Unit ref: MLKG

moles_of_X_per_unit_mass_inY is also called "molality" of X in Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

moles_per_unit_mass_of_cfc11_in_sea_water

Unit: mol kg-1

The chemical formula of CFC11 is CFCl3. The IUPAC name fof CFC11 is trichloro-fluoro-methane.

net_downward_longwave_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"longwave" means longwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

net_downward_longwave_flux_in_air_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "longwave" means longwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

net_downward_radiative_flux_at_top_of_atmosphere_model

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rtmt

Fluxes at the top_of_atmosphere_model differ from TOA fluxes only if the model TOA fluxes make some allowance for the atmosphere above the top of the model; if not, it is usual to give standard names with toa to the fluxes at the top of the model atmosphere. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). Radiative flux is the sum of shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

net_downward_shortwave_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

net_downward_shortwave_flux_in_air_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rsntpcs

A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

net_primary_productivity_of_carbon

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Net primary productivity is the excess of gross_primary_producivity (rate of synthesis of biomass per unit area from inorganic precursors by autotrophs, or "producers", especially by photosynthesising plants using sunlight for energy) over the rate at which they themselves respire some of this biomass (plant_respiration, assuming all producers to be plants). "Productivity of carbon" refers to the production of biomass expressed as the mass of carbon which it contains.

net_rate_of_absorption_of_longwave_energy_in_atmosphere_layer

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"longwave" means longwave radiation. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Net absorbed radiation is the difference between absorbed and emitted radiation.

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Net upward radiation is the difference between radiation from below (upwelling) and radiation from above (downwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

normalized_difference_vegetation_index

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

"Normalized_difference_vegetation_index", usually abbreviated to NDVI, is an index calculated from reflectances measured in the visible and near infrared channels. It is calculated as NDVI = (NIR - R) / (NIR + R) where NIR is the reflectance in the near-infrared band and R is the reflectance in the red visible band. Reflectance is the ratio of the reflected over the incoming radiation in each spectral band. The calculated value of NDVI depends on the precise definitions of the spectral bands and these definitions may vary between different models and remote sensing instruments.

northward_atmosphere_dry_static_energy_transport_across_unit_distance

Unit: W m-1

Unit ref: WAPM

"Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Transport across_unit_distance means expressed per unit distance normal to the direction of transport. Dry static energy is the sum of enthalpy and potential energy (itself the sum of gravitational and centripetal potential energy). Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

northward_atmosphere_heat_transport

Unit: W

Unit ref: WATT

"Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). "Atmosphere heat transport" means total heat transport by the atmosphere by all processes.

northward_atmosphere_water_transport_across_unit_distance

Unit: kg m-1 s-1

Unit ref: KMPS

"Water" means water in all phases. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Transport across_unit_distance means expressed per unit distance normal to the direction of transport.

northward_atmosphere_water_vapor_transport_across_unit_distance

Unit: kg m-1 s-1

Unit ref: KMPS

northward_eliassen_palm_flux_in_air

Unit: m3 s-2

Unit ref: MCS2

Unit: kg s-1

Unit ref: KGPS

"Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Ocean transport means transport by all processes, both sea water and sea ice.

northward_ocean_salt_transport_due_to_bolus_advection

Unit: kg s-1

northward_ocean_salt_transport_due_to_diffusion

Unit: kg s-1

AMIP: sltovdiff

northward_ocean_salt_transport_due_to_gyre

Unit: kg s-1

AMIP: sltovgyre

northward_ocean_salt_transport_due_to_overturning

Unit: kg s-1

AMIP: sltovovrt

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

northward_water_vapor_transport_across_unit_distance_in_atmosphere_layer

Unit: kg m-1 s-1

Unit ref: KMPS

"Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Transport across_unit_distance means expressed per unit distance normal to the direction of transport.

northward_wind

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

AMIP: va

GRIB: 34 E132

northward_wind_shear

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

GRIB: 46

ocean_barotropic_mass_streamfunction

Unit: kg s-1

Unit ref: KGPS

The barotropic stream function with the dimensions of volume transport has the standard name ocean_barotropic_streamfunction.

ocean_barotropic_streamfunction

Unit: m3 s-1

Unit ref: CMPS

AMIP: stfbaro

ocean_heat_x_transport

Unit: W

"x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x.

ocean_heat_x_transport_due_to_bolus_advection

Unit: W

"x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x. Transport by bolus advection in an ocean model means the part due to a scheme representing eddy-induced effects not included in the velocity field. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_processmeans that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

Friction, leading to the dissipation of kinetic energy, arises in ocean models as a result of the viscosity of sea water. Generally, the lateral (xy) viscosity is given a large value to maintain the numerical stability of the model. In contrast, the vertical viscosity is usually much smaller. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

ocean_kinetic_energy_dissipation_per_unit_area_due_to_xy_friction

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

ocean_mass_x_transport

Unit: m3 s-1

AMIP: stfmmcgo

The ocean meridional overturning streamfunction should not include not include "bolus" or Gent-McWilliams velocity.

ocean_mixed_layer_thickness

Unit: m

GRIB: 67

The ocean mixed layer is the upper part of the ocean, regarded as being well-mixed. Various criteria are used to define the mixed layer; this can be specified by using a standard name of ocean_mixed_layer_defined_byX.

ocean_mixed_layer_thickness_defined_by_mixing_scheme

Unit: m

The ocean mixed layer is the upper part of the ocean, regarded as being well-mixed. The base of the mixed layer defined by the mixing scheme is a diagnostic of ocean models.

ocean_mixed_layer_thickness_defined_by_sigma_t

Unit: m

The ocean mixed layer is the upper part of the ocean, regarded as being well-mixed. The base of the mixed layer defined by temperature, sigma or sigma_theta is the level at which the quantity indicated differs from its surface value by a certain amount.

ocean_mixed_layer_thickness_defined_by_sigma_theta

Unit: m

ocean_mixed_layer_thickness_defined_by_temperature

Unit: m

ocean_mixed_layer_thickness_defined_by_vertical_tracer_diffusivity

Unit: m

The ocean mixed layer is the upper part of the ocean, regarded as being well-mixed. The base of the mixed layer defined by temperature, sigma, sigma_theta, or vertical diffusivity is the level at which the quantity indicated differs from its surface value by a certain amount. The amount by which the quantity differs can be specified by a scalar coordinate variable.

ocean_momentum_xy_biharmonic_diffusivity

Unit: m4 s-1

Unit ref: M4S1

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. "xy diffusivity" means the lateral along_coordinate component of diffusivity due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. xy diffusivities are used in some ocean models to counteract the numerical instabilities inherent in certain implementations of rotated neutral diffusion. "biharmonic diffusivity" means diffusivity for use with a biharmonic diffusion operator.

ocean_momentum_xy_laplacian_diffusivity

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. "xy diffusivity" means the lateral along_coordinate component of diffusivity due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. xy diffusivities are used in some ocean models to counteract the numerical instabilities inherent in certain implementations of rotated neutral diffusion. "laplacian diffusivity" means diffusivity for use with a Laplacian diffusion operator.

ocean_montgomery_potential

Unit: m2 s-2

Mongomery potential is defined as M = ap + gz, where a = specific volume, p = pressure, g = gravity, and z=depth. It represents an exact streamfunction on specificvolume anomaly surfaces.

ocean_rigid_lid_pressure

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

"Ocean rigid lid pressure" means the pressure at the surface of an ocean model assuming that it is bounded above by a rigid lid.

ocean_rigid_lid_pressure_expressed_as_sea_surface_height_above_geoid

Unit: m

"Ocean rigid lid pressure" means the pressure at the surface of an ocean model assuming that it is bounded above by a rigid lid.

ocean_salt_x_transport

Unit: 1e-3 kg s-1

"x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x. Salt transport refers to the mass ofsalt being transported.

ocean_salt_y_transport

Unit: 1e-3 kg s-1

"y" indicates a vector component along the grid y-axis, when this is not true latitude, positive with increasing y. Salt transport refers to the mass of salt being transported.

ocean_s_coordinate

Unit: 1

See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates.

ocean_sigma_coordinate

Unit: 1

See Appendix D of the CF convention for information about dimensionless vertical coordinates. Note that the ocean sigma coordinate is not the same quantity as sea water sigma (excess of density over 1000 kg m-3), for which there are various other standard names.

ocean_tracer_bolus_biharmonic_diffusivity

Unit: m4 s-1

ocean_tracer_bolus_laplacian_diffusivity

Unit: m2 s-1

ocean_tracer_epineutral_biharmonic_diffusivity

Unit: m4 s-1

Unit ref: M4S1

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. "epineutral diffusivity" means a lateral diffusivity along a either a neutral or isopycnal density surface due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of an ocean model. The type of density surface is dependent on the model formulation. "biharmonic diffusivity" means diffusivity for use with a biharmonic diffusion operator.

ocean_tracer_epineutral_laplacian_diffusivity

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. "epineutral diffusivity" means a lateral diffusivity along a either a neutral or isopycnal density surface due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of an ocean model. The type of density surface is dependent on the model formulation. "laplacian diffusivity" means diffusivity for use with a Laplacian diffusion operator.

ocean_tracer_xy_biharmonic_diffusivity

Unit: m4 s-1

Unit ref: M4S1

ocean_tracer_xy_laplacian_diffusivity

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. "xy diffusivity" means the lateral along_coordinate component of diffusivity due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. xy diffusivities are used in some ocean models to counteract the numerical instabilities inherent in certain implementations of rotated neutral diffusion. "laplacian diffusivity" means diffusivity for use with a Laplacian diffusion operator.

ocean_vertical_diffusivity

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

"Vertical diffusivity" means the vertical component of diffusivity due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model.

ocean_vertical_heat_diffusivity

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

"Vertical heat diffusivity" means the vertical component of the diffusivity of heat due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model.

ocean_vertical_momentum_diffusivity

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

"Vertical momentum diffusivity" means the vertical component of the diffusivity of momentum due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model.

ocean_vertical_momentum_diffusivity_due_to_background

Unit: m2 s-1

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. The construction vertical_X_diffusivity means the vertical component of thediffusivity of X due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. "Due to background" means caused by a time invariant imposed field which may be eitherconstant over the globe or spatially varying, depending on the ocean model used. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

ocean_vertical_momentum_diffusivity_due_to_convection

Unit: m2 s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Vertical momentum diffusivity" means the vertical component of the diffusivity of momentum due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. Convective mixing in the ocean is somtimes modelled as an enhanced diffusivity.

ocean_vertical_momentum_diffusivity_due_to_form_drag

Unit: m2 s-1

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. The construction vertical_X_diffusivity means the vertical component of thediffusivity of X due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. "Due to form drag" refers to a vertical diffusivity resulting from a model scheme representing mesoscale eddy-induced form drag. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

Unit: m2 s-1

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. The construction vertical_X_diffusivity means the vertical component of thediffusivity of X due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. "Due to background" means caused by a time invariant imposed field which may be eitherconstant over the globe or spatially varying, depending on the ocean model used. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

ocean_vertical_tracer_diffusivity_due_to_convection

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Vertical tracer diffusivity" means the vertical component of the diffusivity of tracers, i.e. heat and salinity, due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. Convective mixing in the ocean is sometimes modelled as an enhanced diffusivity.

ocean_vertical_tracer_diffusivity_due_to_tides

Unit: m2 s-1

Diffusivity is also sometimes known as the coefficient of diffusion. Diffusion occurs as a result of a gradient in the spatial distribution of mass concentration, temperature or momentum. The diffusivity may be very different in the vertical and horizontal directions. The construction vertical_X_diffusivity means the vertical component of thediffusivity of X due to motion which is not resolved on the grid scale of the model. "Due to tides" means due to all astronomical gravity changes which manifest as tides.No distinction is made between different tidal components. The specification of a physicalprocess by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

ocean_vertical_tracer_diffusivity_due_to_wind_mixing

potential_energy_content_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Potential energy is the sum of the gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the centripetal potential energy. (The geopotential is the specific potential energy.)

potential_vorticity_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: Pa-1 s-1

Unit ref: PPPS

"Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well. Atmosphere potential vorticity is the vertically averaged absolute vorticity of a layer of the atmosphere divided by the pressure difference from the bottom to the top of the layer.

potential_vorticity_of_ocean_layer

Unit: m-1 s-1

Unit ref: PMPS

precipitation_amount

Unit: kg m-2

GRIB: 61

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

precipitation_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

AMIP: pr

GRIB: 59

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

precipitation_flux_onto_canopy

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

AMIP: prveg

Alias:

precipitation_flux_onto_canopy_where_land

"Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. Unless indicated in the cell_methods attribute, a quantity is assumed to apply to the whole area of each horizontal grid box. Previously, the qualifier where_type was used to specify that the quantity applies only to the part of the grid box of the named type. Names containing the where_type qualifier are deprecated and newly created data should use the cell_methods attribute to indicate the horizontal area to which the quantity applies.

product_of_air_temperature_and_omega

Unit: K Pa s-1

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature. "omegaX" is used for brevity to mean "lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure in standard names constructed as a combination of omega with some other quantity.

product_of_air_temperature_and_specific_humidity

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

The phrase "product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "specific" means per unit mass. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

product_of_eastward_sea_water_velocity_and_salinity

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). The unit of salinity is PSU, which is dimensionless. The units attribute should be given as 1e-3 or 0.001 i.e. parts per thousand if salinity is in PSU.

product_of_eastward_sea_water_velocity_and_temperature

Unit: K m s-1

Unit ref: KMTS

The phrase "product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward).

product_of_eastward_wind_and_air_temperature

Unit: K m s-1

Unit ref: KMTS

The phrase "product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_eastward_wind_and_geopotential_height

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

AMIP: mpuzga

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. Geopotential is the sum of the specific gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the specific centripetal potential energy. Geopotential height is the geopotential divided by the standard acceleration due to gravity. It is numerically similar to the altitude (or geometric height) and not to the quantity with standard name height, which is relative to the surface. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_eastward_wind_and_northward_wind

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

AMIP: mpuva

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_eastward_wind_and_omega

Unit: Pa m s-2

Unit ref: PAM2

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) "omegaX" is used for brevity to mean "lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure in standard names constructed as a combination of omega with some other quantity.

product_of_eastward_wind_and_specific_humidity

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "specific" means per unit mass. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_eastward_wind_and_upward_air_velocity

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

product_of_geopotential_height_and_omega

Unit: Pa m s-1

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. Geopotential is the sum of the specific gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the specific centripetal potential energy. Geopotential height is the geopotential divided by the standard acceleration due to gravity. It is numerically similar to the altitude (or geometric height) and not to the quantity with standard name height, which is relative to the surface. "omegaX" is used for brevity to mean "lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure in standard names constructed as a combination of omega with some other quantity.

product_of_northward_sea_water_velocity_and_salinity

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). The unit of salinity is PSU, which is dimensionless. The units attribute should be given as 1e-3 or 0.001 i.e. parts per thousand if salinity is in PSU.

product_of_northward_sea_water_velocity_and_temperature

Unit: K m s-1

Unit ref: KMTS

The phrase "product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward).

product_of_northward_wind_and_air_temperature

Unit: K m s-1

Unit ref: KMTS

AMIP: mpvta

The phrase "product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_northward_wind_and_geopotential_height

Unit: m2 s-1

Unit ref: SQMS

AMIP: mpvzga

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. Geopotential is the sum of the specific gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the specific centripetal potential energy. Geopotential height is the geopotential divided by the standard acceleration due to gravity. It is numerically similar to the altitude (or geometric height) and not to the quantity with standard name height, which is relative to the surface. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_northward_wind_and_omega

Unit: Pa m s-2

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) "omegaX" is used for brevity to mean "lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure in standard names constructed as a combination of omega with some other quantity.

product_of_northward_wind_and_specific_humdity

Unit: m s-1

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "specific" means per unit mass. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_northward_wind_and_specific_humidity

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

AMIP: mpvhusa

Alias:

product_of_northward_wind_and_specific_humdity

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "specific" means per unit mass. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

product_of_northward_wind_and_upward_air_velocity

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

product_of_omega_and_air_temperature

Unit: K Pa s-1

AMIP: mpwapta

product_of_omega_and_specific_humidity

Unit: Pa s-1

AMIP: mpwhusa

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air. "omegaX" is used for brevity to mean "lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure in standard names constructed as a combination of omega with some other quantity.

product_of_specific_humidity_and_omega

Unit: Pa s-1

product_of_upward_air_velocity_and_air_temperature

Unit: K m s-1

Unit ref: KMTS

The phrase "product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

product_of_upward_air_velocity_and_specific_humidity

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

"product_of_X_and_Y" means X*Y. "specific" means per unit mass. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air. Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

projection_x_coordinate

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

"x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x. Projection coordinates are distances in the x- and y-directions on a plane onto which the surface of the Earth has been projected according to a map projection. The relationship between the projection coordinates and latitude and longitude is described by the grid_mapping.

projection_y_coordinate

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

"y" indicates a vector component along the grid y-axis, when this is not true latitude, positive with increasing y. Projection coordinates are distances in the x- and y-directions on a plane onto which the surface of the Earth has been projected according to a map projection. The relationship between the projection coordinates and latitude and longitude is described by the grid_mapping.

pseudo_equivalent_potential_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

GRIB: 14

Potential temperature is the temperature a parcel of air or sea water would have if moved adiabatically to sea level pressure.

pseudo_equivalent_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

radial_velocity_of_scatterers_away_from_instrument

Unit: m s-1

A velocity is a vector quantity. "Radial velocity away from instrument" means the component of the velocity of the scatterers along the line of sight of the instrument where positive implies movement away from the instrument (i.e. outward). The "instrument" (examples are radar and lidar) is the device used to make the observation, and the "scatterers" are what causes the transmitted signal to be returned to the instrument (examples are aerosols, hydrometeors and refractive index irregularities), of whatever kind the instrument detects.

radiation_frequency

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

Frequency is the number of oscillations of a wave per unit time. The radiation frequency can refer to any electromagnetic wave, such as light, heat radiation and radio waves.

radiation_wavelength

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

Alias:

electromagnetic_wavelength

The radiation wavelength can refer to any electromagnetic wave, such as light, heat radiation and radio waves.

rainfall_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

rainfall_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

rainfall_rate

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

ratio_of_x_derivative_of_ocean_rigid_lid_pressure_to_sea_surface_density

Unit: m s-2

"x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x. Sea surface density is the density of sea water near the surface (including the part under sea-ice, if any). "component_derivative_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to distance in the component direction, which may be northward, southward, eastward, westward, x or y. The last two indicatederivatives along the axes of the grid, in the case where they are not true longitude and latitude. "ratio_of_X_to_Y" means X/Y. "Ocean rigid lid pressure" means the pressure at the surface of an ocean model assuming that it is bounded above by a rigid lid.

ratio_of_y_derivative_of_ocean_rigid_lid_pressure_to_sea_surface_density

Unit: m s-2

"y" indicates a vector component along the grid y-axis, when this is not true latitude, positive with increasing y. Sea surface density is the density of sea water near the surface (including the part under sea-ice, if any). "component_derivative_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to distance in the component direction, which may be northward, southward, eastward, westward, x or y. The last two indicate derivatives along the axes of the grid, in the case where they are not true longitude and latitude. "ratio_of_X_to_Y" means X/Y. "Ocean rigid lid pressure" means the pressure at the surface of an ocean model assuming that it is bounded above by a rigid lid.

realization

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Realization is used to label a dimension that can be thought of asa statistical sample, e.g., labelling members of a model ensemble.

reference_sea_water_density_for_boussinesq_approximation

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Sea water density is the in-situ density (not the potential density). For a rigid lid Boussinesq geopotential ocean model the density of the sea water is maintained at a constant reference density. In a model using the rigid lid Boussinesq approximation , the vertical grid coordinates (and hence the grid cell volumes) are time invariant.

region

Unit: string

A variable with the standard name of region contains strings which indicate geographical regions. These strings must be chosen from the standard region list.

relative_humidity

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

AMIP: hur

GRIB: 52 E157

richardson_number_in_sea_water

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Richardson number is a measure of dynamic stability and can be used to diagnose the existence of turbulent flow. It is defined as the ratio of the buoyant suppression of turbulence (i.e. how statically stable or unstable the conditions are) to the kinetic energy available to generate turbulence in a shear flow.

root_depth

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

Depth is the vertical distance below the surface. The root depth is maximum depth of soil reached by plant roots, from which they can extract moisture.

runoff_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Amount" means mass per unit area. Runoff is the liquid water which drains from land. If not specified, "runoff" refers to the sum of surface runoff and subsurface drainage.

runoff_amount_excluding_baseflow

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

Runoff is the liquid water which drains from land. "Runoff_excluding_baseflow" is the sum of surface runoff and subsurface runoff excluding baseflow. Baseflow is subsurface runoff which takes place below the level of the water table. "Amount" means mass per unit area.

runoff_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

AMIP: mrro

The geoid is a surface of constant geopotential with which mean sea level would coincide if the ocean were at rest. (The volume enclosed between the geoid and the sea floor equals the mean volume of water in the ocean.) In an ocean GCM the geoid is the surface of zero depth, or the rigid lid if the model uses that approximation. "Sea surface height" is a time-varying quantity. By definition of the geoid, the global average of the time-mean sea surface height (i.e. mean sea level) above the geoid must be zero. The standard name for the height of the sea surface above mean sea level is sea_surface_height_above_sea_level. The standard name for the height of the sea surface above the reference ellipsoid is sea_surface_height_above_reference_ellipsoid.

salt_flux_into_sea_water_from_rivers

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

scattering_angle

Unit: rad

Unit ref: URAD

The scattering angle is that between the direction of the beam of incident radiation and the direction into which it is scattered.

sea_area

Unit: m2

"X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell.

sea_area_fraction

Unit: 1

"X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell.

sea_floor_depth_below_geoid

Unit: m

AMIP: zobt

Alias:

sea_floor_depth

sea_floor_depth_below_sea_level

Unit: m

sea_level means mean sea level, which is close to the geoid in sea areas.

sea_ice_albedo

Unit: 1

The albedo of sea ice.

sea_ice_amount

Unit: kg m-2

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

sea_ice_area

Unit: m2

"X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell.

sea_ice_area_fraction

Unit: 1

AMIP: sic

GRIB: 91

"X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell. Sea ice area fraction is area of the sea surface occupied by sea ice. It is also called "sea ice concentration".

sea_ice_draft

Unit: m

Sea ice draft is the depth of the sea-ice lower surface below the water surface.

sea_ice_extent

Unit: m2

sea_ice_freeboard

Unit: m

Sea ice freeboard is the height of the sea-ice upper surface above the water surface.

sea_ice_mass

Unit: kg

sea_ice_speed

Unit: m s-1

GRIB: 94

Speed is the magnitude of velocity.

sea_ice_temperature

Unit: K

sea_ice_thickness

Unit: m

AMIP: sit

GRIB: 92

sea_ice_transport_across_line

Unit: kg s-1

Transport across_line means that which crosses a particular line on the Earth's surface; formally this means the integral along the line of the normal component of the transport.

sea_ice_volume

Unit: m3

sea_ice_x_velocity

Unit: m s-1

A velocity is a vector quantity. "x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x.

sea_ice_y_velocity

Unit: m s-1

A velocity is a vector quantity. "y" indicates a vector component along the grid y-axis, when this is not true latitude, positive with increasing y.

sea_surface_density

Unit: kg m-3

Unit: m

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. Altimeter pulses tend to be more strongly refelected by the troughs of sea surface waves than by the crests leading to a bias in the measured sea surface height. This quantity is commonly known as "sea state bias".

sea_surface_height_correction_due_to_air_pressure_and_wind_at_high_frequency

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Air pressure and wind at high frequency" means variations in air pressure with periods shorter than 20 days. These give rise to corresponding variations in sea surface topography. The quantity sea_surface_height_correction_due_to_air_pressure_and_wind_at_high_frequency should be applied by adding it to the quantity with standard name altimeter_range. Additional altimeter range corrections are given by the quantities with standard names altimeter_range_correction_due_to_wet_troposphere, altimeter_range_correction_due_to_dry_troposphere, altimeter_range_correction_due_to_ionosphere and sea_surface_height_correction_due_to_air_pressure_at_low_frequency.

sea_surface_height_correction_due_to_air_pressure_at_low_frequency

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Air pressure at low frequency" means variations in air pressure with periods longer than 20 days. These give rise to corresponding variations in sea surface topography. The quantity sea_surface_height_correction_due_to_air_pressure_at_low_frequency is commonly called the "inverted barometer effect" and the correction should be applied by adding it to the quantity with standard name altimeter_range. Additional altimeter range corrections are given by the quantities with standard names altimeter_range_correction_due_to_wet_troposphere, altimeter_range_correction_due_to_dry_troposphere, altimeter_range_correction_due_to_ionosphere and sea_surface_height_correction_due_to_air_pressure_and_wind_at_high_frequency.

sea_surface_salinity

Unit: 1e-3

The unit of salinity is PSU, which is dimensionless. The units attribute should be given as 1e-3 or 0.001 i.e. parts per thousand if salinity is in PSU. Sea surface salinity is often abbreviated as "SSS". For the salinity of sea water at a particular depth or layer, a data variable of sea_water_salinity with a vertical coordinate axis should be used.

sea_surface_skin_temperature

Unit: K

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The sea surface skin temperature is the temperature measured by an infrared radiometer typically operating at wavelengths in the range 3.7 - 12 micrometers. It represents the temperature within the conductive diffusion-dominated sub-layer at a depth of approximately 10 - 20 micrometers below the air-sea interface. Measurements of this quantity are subject to a large potential diurnal cycle including cool skin layer effects (especially at night under clear skies and low wind speed conditions) and warm layer effects in the daytime.

sea_surface_subskin_temperature

Unit: K

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The sea surface subskin temperature is the temperature at the base of the conductive laminar sub-layer of the ocean surface, that is, at a depth of approximately 1 - 1.5 millimeters below the air-sea interface. For practical purposes, this quantity can be well approximated to the measurement of surface temperature by a microwave radiometer operating in the 6 - 11 gigahertz frequency range, but the relationship is neither direct nor invariant to changing physical conditions or to the specific geometry of the microwave measurements. Measurements of this quantity are subject to a large potential diurnal cycle due to thermal stratification of the upper ocean layer in low wind speed high solar irradiance conditions.

sea_surface_swell_wave_mean_period_from_variance_spectral_density_first_frequency_moment

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The swell wave directional spectrum can be written as a five dimensional function S(t,x,y,f,theta) where t is time, x and y are horizontal coordinates (such as longitude and latitude), f is frequency and theta is direction. S can be integrated over direction to give S1= integral(S dtheta). Frequency moments, M(n) of S1 can then be calculated as follows: M(n) = integral(S1 f^n df), where f^n is f to the power of n. The first wave period, T(m1), is calculated as the ratio M(0)/M(1).

sea_surface_swell_wave_mean_period_from_variance_spectral_density_inverse_frequency_moment

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The swell wave directional spectrum can be written as a five dimensional function S(t,x,y,f,theta) where t is time, x and y are horizontal coordinates (such as longitude and latitude), f is frequency and theta is direction. S can be integrated over direction to give S1= integral(S dtheta). Frequency moments, M(n) of S1 can then be calculated as follows: M(n) = integral(S1 f^n df), where f^n is f to the power of n. The inverse wave period, T(m-1), is calculated as the ratio M(-1)/M(0).

sea_surface_swell_wave_mean_period_from_variance_spectral_density_second_frequency_moment

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The swell wave directional spectrum can be written as a five dimensional function S(t,x,y,f,theta) where t is time, x and y are horizontal coordinates (such as longitude and latitude), f is frequency and theta is direction. S can be integrated over direction to give S1= integral(S dtheta). Frequency moments, M(n) of S1 can then be calculated as follows: M(n) = integral(S1 f^n df), where f^n is f to the power of n. The second wave period, T(m2), is calculated as the square root of the ratio M(0)/M(2).

sea_surface_swell_wave_period

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

GRIB: 106

Alias:

swell_wave_period

A period is an interval of time, or the time-period of an oscillation. Swell waves are waves on the ocean surface.

sea_surface_swell_wave_significant_height

Unit: m

GRIB: 105

Alias:

significant_height_of_swell_waves

Height is the vertical distance above the surface. Swell waves are waves on the ocean surface.

sea_surface_swell_wave_to_direction

Unit: degree

GRIB: 104

Alias:

direction_of_swell_wave_velocity

Swell waves are waves on the ocean surface. "to_direction" is used in the construction X_to_direction and indicates the direction towards which the velocity vector of X is headed.

sea_surface_swell_wave_zero_upcrossing_period

Unit: s

sea_surface_temperature

Unit: K

Sea surface temperature is usually abbreviated as "SST". It is the temperature of sea water near the surface (including the part under sea-ice, if any), and not the skin temperature, whose standard name is surface_temperature. For the temperature of sea water at a particular depth or layer, a data variable of sea_water_temperature with a vertical coordinate axis should be used.

sea_surface_wave_directional_variance_spectral_density

Unit: m2 s rad-1

Unit ref: M2RD

Sea surface wave directional variance spectral density is the variance of the amplitude of the waves within given ranges of direction and wave frequency.

sea_surface_wave_from_direction

Unit: degree

"from_direction" is used in the construction X_from_direction and indicates the direction from which the velocity vector of X is coming.

sea_surface_wave_mean_period_from_variance_spectral_density_first_frequency_moment

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The wave directional spectrum can be written as a five dimensional function S(t,x,y,f,theta) where t is time, x and y are horizontal coordinates (such as longitude and latitude), f is frequency and theta is direction. S has the standard name sea_surface_wave_directional_variance_spectral_density. S can be integrated over direction to give S1= integral(S dtheta) and this quantity has the standard name sea_surface_wave_variance_spectral_density. Frequency moments, M(n) of S1 can then be calculated as follows: M(n) = integral(S1 f^n df), where f^n is f to the power of n. The first wave period, T(m1) is calculated as the ratio M(0)/M(1).

sea_surface_wave_mean_period_from_variance_spectral_density_inverse_frequency_moment

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The wave directional spectrum can be written as a five dimensional function S(t,x,y,f,theta) where t is time, x and y are horizontal coordinates (such as longitude and latitude), f is frequency and theta is direction. S has the standard name sea_surface_wave_directional_variance_spectral_density. S can be integrated over direction to give S1= integral(S dtheta) and this quantity has the standard name sea_surface_wave_variance_spectral_density. Frequency moments, M(n) of S1 can then be calculated as follows: M(n) = integral(S1 f^n df), where f^n is f to the power of n. The inverse wave period, T(m-1), is calculated as the ratio M(-1)/M(0).

sea_surface_wave_mean_period_from_variance_spectral_density_second_frequency_moment

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

The wave directional spectrum can be written as a five dimensional function S(t,x,y,f,theta) where t is time, x and y are horizontal coordinates (such as longitude and latitude), f is frequency and theta is direction. S has the standard name sea_surface_wave_directional_variance_spectral_density. S can be integrated over direction to give S1= integral(S dtheta) and this quantity has the standard name sea_surface_wave_variance_spectral_density. Frequency moments, M(n) of S1 can then be calculated as follows: M(n) = integral(S1 f^n df), where f^n is f to the power of n. The second wave period, T(m2) is calculated as the square root of the ratio M(0)/M(2).

sea_surface_wave_significant_height

Unit: m

GRIB: 100

Alias:

significant_height_of_wind_and_swell_waves

Height is the vertical distance above the surface.

sea_surface_wave_to_direction

Unit: degree

"to_direction" is used in the construction X_to_direction and indicates the direction towards which the velocity vector of X is headed.

sea_surface_wave_variance_spectral_density

Unit: m2 s

Unit ref: M2SX

Unit: s

Unit ref: UTBB

GRIB: 103

Alias:

wind_wave_period

A period is an interval of time, or the time-period of an oscillation. Wind waves are waves on the ocean surface. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

sea_surface_wind_wave_significant_height

Unit: m

GRIB: 102

Alias:

significant_height_of_wind_waves

Height is the vertical distance above the surface. Wind waves are waves on the ocean surface. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

sea_surface_wind_wave_to_direction

Unit: degree

GRIB: 101

Alias:

direction_of_wind_wave_velocity

Wind waves are waves on the ocean surface. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) "to_direction" is used in the construction X_to_direction and indicates the direction towards which the velocity vector of X is headed.

sea_surface_wind_wave_zero_upcrossing_period

Unit: s

A period is an interval of time, or the time-period of an oscillation. The zero upcrossing period is defined as the time interval between consecutive occasions on which the surface height passes upward above the mean level. Wind waves are waves on the ocean surface. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

sea_water_age_since_surface_contact

Unit: year

Unit ref: UYRS

"Sea water age since surface contact" means the length of time elapsed since the sea water in a grid cell was last in the surface level of an ocean model.

sea_water_density

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Sea water density is the in-situ density (not the potential density). If 1000 kg m-3 is subtracted, the standard name sea_water_sigma_t should be chosen instead.

sea_water_electrical_conductivity

Unit: S m-1

Unit ref: UECA

sea_water_mass

Unit: kg

Unit ref: KGXX

The quantity with standard name "sea_water_mass" is the total mass of liquid seawater in the global oceans, including enclosed seas.

sea_water_mass_per_unit_area

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

Sea_water_mass_per_unit_area is the mass per unit area of the sea water contained within each grid cell.

sea_water_potential_density

Unit: kg m-3

Potential density is the density a parcel of air or sea water would have if moved adiabatically to a reference pressure, by default assumed to be sea level pressure. For sea water potential density, if 1000 kg m-3 is subtracted, the standard name sea_water_sigma_theta should be chosen instead.

sea_water_potential_temperature

Unit: K

Potential temperature is the temperature a parcel of air or sea water would have if moved adiabatically to sea level pressure.

sea_water_pressure

Unit: dbar

"Sea water pressure" is the pressure that exists in the mediumof sea water. It includes the pressure due to overlying sea water, sea ice, air and any other medium that may be present.

sea_water_pressure_at_sea_floor

Unit: dbar

Unit ref: UPDB

"Sea water pressure" is the pressure that exists in the medium of sea water. It includes the pressure due to overlying sea water, sea ice, air and any other medium that may be present.

sea_water_pressure_at_sea_water_surface

Unit: dbar

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Sea water pressure" is the pressure that exists in the medium of sea water. It includes the pressure due to overlying sea water, sea ice, air and any other medium that may be present.

sea_water_salinity

Unit: 1e-3

Unit ref: UUUU

AMIP: so

GRIB: 88

The unit of salinity is PSU, which is dimensionless. The units attribute should be given as 1e-3 or 0.001 i.e. parts per thousand if salinity is in PSU.

sea_water_sigma_t

Unit: kg m-3

Sigma-t of sea water is the density of water at atmospheric pressure (i.e. the surface) having the same temperature and salinity, minus 1000 kg m-3. Note that sea water sigma is not the same quantity as the dimensionless ocean sigma coordinate (see Appendix D of the CF convention), for which there is another standard name.

sea_water_sigma_theta

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

Sigma-theta of sea water is the potential density (i.e. the density when moved adiabatically to a reference pressure) of water having the same temperature and salinity, minus 1000 kg m-3. Note that sea water sigma is not the same quantity as the dimensionless ocean sigma coordinate (see Appendix D of the CF convention), for which there is another standard name.

sea_water_speed

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

GRIB: 48

Speed is the magnitude of velocity.

sea_water_temperature

Unit: K

AMIP: to

GRIB: 80

sea_water_volume

Unit: m3

Unit ref: MCUB

Alias:

ocean_volume

The quantity with standard name "sea_water_volume" is the total volume of liquid seawater in the global oceans, including enclosed seas.

sea_water_x_velocity

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

Alias:

x_sea_water_velocity

A velocity is a vector quantity. "x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x.

sea_water_y_velocity

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

Alias:

y_sea_water_velocity

A velocity is a vector quantity. "y" indicates a vector component along the grid y-axis, when this is not true latitude, positive with increasing y.

snow_density

Unit: kg m-3

Unit ref: UKMC

snowfall_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

snowfall_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

AMIP: prsn

GRIB: 64

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

snow_grain_size

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

snow_soot_content

Unit: kg m-2

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area.

snow_temperature

Unit: K

GRIB: E238

Snow temperature is the bulk temperature of the snow, not the surface (skin) temperature.

snow_thermal_energy_content

Unit: J m-2

Unit ref: JMSQ

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. Thermal energy is the total vibrational energy, kinetic and potential, of all the molecules and atoms in a substance.

soil_albedo

Unit: 1

Soil albedo is the albedo of the soil surface assuming no snow.

soil_carbon_content

Unit: kg m-2

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "soil content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface down to the bottom of the soil model. For the content between specified levels in the soil, standard names including content_of_soil_layer are used.

soil_frozen_water_content

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

AMIP: mrfso

"frozen_water" means ice. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "soil content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface down to the bottom of the soil model. For the content between specified levels in the soil, standard names including content_of_soil_layer are used.

soil_hydraulic_conductivity_at_saturation

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

Hydraulic conductivity is the constant k in Darcy's Law q=-k grad h for fluid flow q (volume transport per unit area i.e. velocity) through a porous medium, where h is the hydraulic head (pressure expressed as an equivalent depth of water).

soil_moisture_content_at_field_capacity

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

AMIP: mrsofc

"moisture" means water in all phases contained in soil. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "soil content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface down to the bottom of the soil model. For the content between specified levels in the soil, standard names including content_of_soil_layer are used. The field capacity of soil is the maximum content of water it can retain against gravitational drainage.

soil_porosity

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

The soil porosity is the proportion of its total volume not occupied by soil solids.

soil_respiration_carbon_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"Respiration carbon" refers to the rate at which biomass is respired expressed as the mass of carbon which it contains. Soil respiration is the sum of respiration in the soil by animals and decomposers of litter (heterotrophs or "consumers"), which have not produced the biomass they respire, and respiration by the roots of plants (autotrophs or "producers"), which have themselves produced the biomass they respire. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

soil_suction_at_saturation

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

Soil suction is the tensile stress on water in soil due to molecular forces acting at the water-soil particle boundary. The forces may cause water to be drawn into the spaces within the soil matrix or cause it to be held in the soil without draining. Soil suction occurs in soil above the water table.

soil_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

GRIB: 85

Soil temperature is the bulk temperature of the soil, not the surface (skin) temperature.

soil_thermal_capacity

Unit: J kg-1 K-1

Unit ref: JKGK

Thermal capacity, or heat capacity, is the amount of heat energy required to increase the temperature of 1 kg of material by 1 K. It is a property of the material.

soil_thermal_conductivity

Unit: W m-1 K-1

Unit ref: WAPK

Thermal conductivity is the constant k in the formula q = -k grad T where q is the heat transfer per unit time per unit area of a surface normal to the direction of transfer and grad T is the temperature gradient. Thermal conductivity is a property of the material.

soil_type

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

A variable with the standard name of soil_type contains strings which indicate the character of the soil e.g. clay. These strings have not yet been standardised. Alternatively, the data variable may contain integers which can be translated to strings using flag_values and flag_meanings attributes.

solar_azimuth_angle

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

Solar azimuth angle is the horizontal angle between the line of sight to the sun and a reference direction which is often due north. The angle is measured clockwise.

solar_elevation_angle

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

Solar elevation angle is the angle between the line of sight to the sun and the local horizontal.

solar_zenith_angle

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

Solar zenith angle is the the angle between the line of sight to the sun and the local vertical.

sound_frequency

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

Frequency is the number of oscillations of a wave per unit time.

sound_intensity_in_air

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

Sound intensity is the sound energy per unit time per unit area.

sound_intensity_in_water

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

Sound intensity is the sound energy per unit time per unit area.

sound_intensity_level_in_air

Unit: dB

Unit ref: UDBL

Sound intensity is the sound energy per unit time per unit area. Sound intensity level in air is expressed on a logarithmic scale with reference to a sound intensity of 1e-12 W m-2. LI = 10 log10(I/I0) where LI is sound intensity level, I is sound intensity and I0 is the reference sound intensity.

sound_intensity_level_in_water

Unit: dB

Unit ref: UDBL

Sound intensity is the sound energy per unit time per unit area. Sound intensity level in water is expressed on a logarithmic scale with reference to a sound intensity of 6.7e-19 W m-2. LI = 10 log10(I/I0) where LI is sound intensity level, I is sound intensity and I0 is the reference sound intensity.

sound_pressure_in_air

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

Sound pressure is the difference from the local ambient pressure caused by a sound wave at a particular location and time.

sound_pressure_in_water

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

Sound pressure is the difference from the local ambient pressure caused by a sound wave at a particular location and time.

sound_pressure_level_in_air

Unit: dB

Unit ref: UDBL

Sound pressure is the difference from the local ambient pressure caused by a sound wave at a particular location and time. Sound pressure level in air is expressed on a logarithmic scale with reference to a sound pressure of 2e-5 Pa. Lp = 20 log10(p/p0) where Lp is the sound pressure level, p is the rms sound pressure and p0 is the reference sound pressure.

sound_pressure_level_in_water

Unit: dB

Unit ref: UDBL

Sound pressure is the difference from the local ambient pressure caused by a sound wave at a particular location and time. Sound pressure level in water is expressed on a logarithmic scale with reference to a sound pressure of 1e-6 Pa. Lp = 20 log10(p/p0) where Lp is the sound pressure level, p is the rms sound pressure and p0 is the reference sound pressure.

specific_dry_energy_of_air

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

"specific" means per unit mass. Dry energy is the sum of dry static energy and kinetic energy. Dry static energy is the sum of enthalpy and potential energy (itself the sum of gravitational and centripetal potential energy). Enthalpy can be written either as (1) CpT, where Cp is heat capacity at constant pressure, T is absolute temperature, or (2) U+pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure and V is volume.

specific_gravitational_potential_energy

Unit: J kg-1

Unit ref: JPKG

Alias:

specific_potential_energy

specific_humidity

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

AMIP: hus

GRIB: 51 E133

"specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

specific_kinetic_energy_of_air

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

"specific" means per unit mass.

specific_kinetic_energy_of_sea_water

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

"specific" means per unit mass.

speed_of_sound_in_air

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

Speed is the magnitude of velocity.

speed_of_sound_in_sea_water

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

Speed is the magnitude of velocity.

square_of_air_temperature

Unit: K2

Unit ref: KLSQ

AMIP: mptta

The phrase "square_of_X" means X*X. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature.

square_of_brunt_vaisala_frequency_in_air

Unit: s-2

GRIB: N138

"square_of_X" means X*X. Frequency is the number of oscillations of a wave per unit time.

square_of_eastward_wind

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

AMIP: mpuua

"square_of_X" means X*X. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

square_of_geopotential_height

Unit: m2

Unit ref: UMSQ

"square_of_X" means X*X. Geopotential is the sum of the specific gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the specific centripetal potential energy. Geopotential height is the geopotential divided by the standard acceleration due to gravity. It is numerically similar to the altitude (or geometric height) and not to the quantity with standard name height, which is relative to the surface.

square_of_lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure

Unit: Pa2 s-2

"square_of_X" means X*X. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The Lagrangian tendency of a quantity is its rate of change following the motion of the fluid, also called the "material derivative" or "convective derivative". The Lagrangian tendency of air pressure, often called "omega", plays the role of the upward component of air velocity when air pressure is being used as the vertical coordinate. If the vertical air velocity is upwards, it is negative when expressed as a tendency of air pressure; downwards is positive.

square_of_northward_wind

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

AMIP: mpvva

"square_of_X" means X*X. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

square_of_ocean_mixed_layer_thickness_defined_by_sigma_t

Unit: m2

The ocean mixed layer is the upper part of the ocean, regarded as being well-mixed. The base of the mixed layer defined by temperature, sigma, sigma_theta or sigma_t is the level at which the quantity indicated differs from its surface value by a certain amount. "Thickness" means the vertical extent of a layer. "square_of_X" means X*X.

square_of_sea_surface_height_above_geoid

Unit: m2

square_of_sea_surface_temperature

Unit: K2

Unit ref: KLSQ

square_of_upward_air_velocity

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

"square_of_X" means X*X. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

square_of_upward_ocean_mass_transport

Unit: kg2 s-2

Unit ref: KGS2

"Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Ocean transport means transport by all processes, both sea water and sea ice. "square_of_X" means X*X.

stratiform_cloud_area_fraction_in_atmosphere_layer

Unit: 1

stratiform_cloud_longwave_emissivity

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Emissivity is the ratio of the power emitted by an object to the power that would be emitted by a perfect black body having the same temperature as the object. The emissivity is assumed to be an integral over all wavelengths, unless a coordinate of radiation_wavelength or radiation_frequency is included to specify either the wavelength or frequency. In an atmosphere model, stratiform cloud is that produced by large-scale convergence (not the convection schemes). "longwave" means longwave radiation.

subsurface_runoff_amount

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_carbon_dioxide_partial_pressure_difference_between_air_and_sea_water

Unit: Pa

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. The partial pressure of a gaseous constituent of air is the pressure which it alone would exert with unchanged temperature and number of moles per unit volume.

surface_diffuse_downwelling_photosynthetic_radiative_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Radiative flux is the sum of shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes. "Photosynthetic" radiation is the part of the spectrum which is used in photosynthesis e.g. 300-700 nm. The range of wavelengths could be specified precisely by the bounds of a coordinate of radiation_wavelength. When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downward_eastward_stress

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

AMIP: tauu

GRIB: E180

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). "Downward eastward" indicates the ZX component of a tensor. A downward eastward stress is a downward flux of eastward momentum, which accelerates the lower medium eastward and the upper medium westward. The surface downward stress is the windstress on the surface.

surface_downward_heat_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: hfns

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). The vertical heat flux in air is the sum of all heat fluxes i.e. radiative, latent and sensible. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downward_heat_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downward_latent_heat_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). The surface latent heat flux is the exchange of heat between the surface and the air on account of evaporation (including sublimation). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downward_northward_stress

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "longwave" means longwave radiation. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downwelling_longwave_flux_in_air_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit: W m-2 sr-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction from which it is coming must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead. "Photosynthetic" radiation is the part of the spectrum which is used in photosynthesis e.g. 300-700 nm. The range of wavelengths could be specified precisely by the bounds of a coordinate of radiation_wavelength.

surface_downwelling_photosynthetic_radiative_flux_in_air

surface_downwelling_shortwave_flux

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Surface downwelling shortwave is the sum of direct and diffuse solar radiation incident on the surface, and is sometimes called "global radiation". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downwelling_shortwave_flux_in_air_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

AMIP: rsdscs

Alias:

surface_downwelling_shortwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Surface downwelling shortwave is the sum of direct and diffuse solar radiation incident on the surface, and is sometimes called "global radiation". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downwelling_spectral_photon_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1 m-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". A photon flux is specified in terms of numbers of photons expressed in moles. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downwelling_spectral_photon_radiance_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1 m-1 sr-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Photon radiance is the photon flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction from which it is coming must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead. A photon flux is specified in terms of numbers of photons expressed in moles.

surface_downwelling_spectral_photon_spherical_irradiance_in_sea_water

Unit: mol m-2 s-1 m-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. Photon spherical irradiance is the photon flux incident on unit area of a hemispherical (or "2-pi") collector. A photon flux is specified in terms of numbers of photons expressed in moles.

surface_downwelling_spectral_radiance_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2 m-1 sr-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction from which it is coming must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead.

surface_downwelling_spectral_radiative_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2 m-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downwelling_spectral_radiative_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2 m-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_downwelling_spectral_spherical_irradiance_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2 m-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. Spherical irradiance is the radiation incident on unit area of a hemispherical (or "2-pi") collector. It is sometimes called "scalar irradiance". The direction (up/downwelling) is specified. Radiation incident on a 4-pi collector has standard names of "omnidirectional spherical irradiance".

surface_downwelling_spherical_irradiance_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Downwelling radiation is radiation from above. It does not mean "net downward". Spherical irradiance is the radiation incident on unit area of a hemispherical (or "2-pi") collector. It is sometimes called "scalar irradiance". The direction (up/downwelling) is specified. Radiation incident on a 4-pi collector has standard names of "omnidirectional spherical irradiance".

surface_drag_coefficient_for_heat_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Alias:

atmosphere_surface_drag_coefficient_of_heat

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

surface_drag_coefficient_for_momentum_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Alias:

atmosphere_surface_drag_coefficient_of_momentum

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

surface_drag_coefficient_in_air

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Alias:

atmosphere_surface_drag_coefficient

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

surface_eastward_sea_water_velocity

Unit: m s-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward).

surface_geopotential

Unit: m2 s-2

Unit ref: SQM2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. Geopotential is the sum of the specific gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the specific centripetal potential energy.

surface_geostrophic_eastward_sea_water_velocity

Unit: m s-1

Alias:

surface_eastward_geostrophic_sea_water_velocity

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Geostrophic" indicates that geostrophic balance is assumed. "Water" means water in all phases. surface_geostrophic_eastward_sea_water_velocity is the sum of a variable part, surface_geostrophic_eastward_sea_water_velocity_assuming_sea_level_for_geoid, and a constant part due to the stationary component of ocean circulation.

surface_geostrophic_eastward_sea_water_velocity_assuming_sea_level_for_geoid

Unit: m s-1

Alias:

surface_eastward_geostrophic_sea_water_velocity_assuming_sea_level_for_geoid

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Geostrophic" indicates that geostrophic balance is assumed. "Water" means water in all phases. "sea_level" means mean sea level. The geoid is a surface of constant geopotential with which mean sea level would coincide if the ocean were at rest. surface_geostrophic_eastward_sea_water_velocity_assuming_sea_level_for_geoid is the variable part of surface_geostrophic_eastward_sea_water_velocity. The assumption that sea level is equal to the geoid means that the stationary component of ocean circulation is equal to zero.

surface_geostrophic_northward_sea_water_velocity

Unit: m s-1

Alias:

surface_northward_geostrophic_sea_water_velocity

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). "Geostrophic" indicates that geostrophic balance is assumed. "Water" means water in all phases. surface_geostrophic_northward_sea_water_velocity is the sum of a variable part, surface_geostrophic_northward_sea_water_velocity_assuming_sea_level_for_geoid, and a constant part due to the stationary component of ocean circulation.

surface_geostrophic_northward_sea_water_velocity_assuming_sea_level_for_geoid

Unit: m s-1

Alias:

surface_microwave_emissivity

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

Emissivity is the ratio of the power emitted by an object to the power that would be emitted by a perfect black body having the same temperature as the object. The emissivity is assumed to be an integral over all wavelengths, unless a coordinate of radiation_wavelength or radiation_frequency is included to specify either the wavelength or frequency. The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

surface_net_downward_longwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rls

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "longwave" means longwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_net_downward_longwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

GRIB: E211

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "longwave" means longwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_net_downward_radiative_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

Alias:

surface_net_downward_radiative_flux_where_land

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). Radiative flux is the sum of shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. Unless indicated in the cell_methods attribute, a quantity is assumed to apply to the whole area of each horizontal grid box. Previously, the qualifier where_type was used to specify that the quantity applies only to the part of the grid box of the named type. Names containing the where_type qualifier are deprecated and newly created data should use the cell_methods attribute to indicate the horizontal area to which the quantity applies.

surface_net_downward_shortwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rss

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_net_downward_shortwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

GRIB: E210

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_net_upward_longwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

GRIB: 112 E176

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "longwave" means longwave radiation. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Net upward radiation is the difference between radiation from below (upwelling) and radiation from above (downwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_net_upward_radiative_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Net upward radiation is the difference between radiation from below (upwelling) and radiation from above (downwelling). Radiative flux is the sum of shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_net_upward_shortwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

GRIB: 111 E177

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Net upward radiation is the difference between radiation from below (upwelling) and radiation from above (downwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_northward_sea_water_velocity

Unit: m s-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward).

surface_partial_pressure_of_carbon_dioxide_in_air

Unit: Pa

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The partial pressure of a gaseous constituent of air is the pressure which it alone would exert with unchanged temperature and number of moles per unit volume.

surface_partial_pressure_of_carbon_dioxide_in_sea_water

Unit: Pa

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. The partial pressure of a dissolved gas in sea water is the partial pressure in air with which it would be in equilibrium. The partial pressure of a gaseous constituent of air is the pressure which it alone would exert with unchanged temperature and number of moles per unit volume.

surface_roughness_length

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

GRIB: 83 E173

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

surface_roughness_length_for_heat_in_air

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

surface_roughness_length_for_momentum_in_air

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

surface_runoff_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

GRIB: 90

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Amount" means mass per unit area. Runoff is the liquid water which drains from land. If not specified, "runoff" refers to the sum of surface runoff and subsurface drainage.

surface_runoff_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

AMIP: mrros

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. Runoff is the liquid water which drains from land. If not specified, "runoff" refers to the sum of surface runoff and subsurface drainage. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_snow_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

AMIP: snw

GRIB: 65

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Amount" means mass per unit area. Surface amount refers to the amount on the ground, excluding that on the plant or vegetation canopy.

surface_snow_and_ice_melt_heat_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The snow and ice melt heat flux is the supply of latent heat which is melting snow and ice at freezing point. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_snow_and_ice_sublimation_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. Sublimation is the conversion of solid into vapor. The snow and ice sublimation flux is the loss of snow and ice mass resulting from their conversion to water vapor. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_snow_area_fraction

Unit: 1

AMIP: snc

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell.

surface_snow_melt_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

GRIB: 99

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Amount" means mass per unit area.

surface_snow_melt_and_sublimation_heat_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. Sublimation is the conversion of solid into vapor. The snow melt and sublimation heat flux is the supply of latent heat which converting snow to liquid water (melting) and water vapor (sublimation). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_snow_melt_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

AMIP: snm

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_snow_melt_heat_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. The snow melt heat flux is the supply of latent heat which is melting snow at freezing point. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_snow_sublimation_amount

Unit: kg m-2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Amount" means mass per unit area. Sublimation is the conversion of solid into vapor.

surface_snow_sublimation_heat_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: hfls

GRIB: 121 E147

surface_upward_sensible_heat_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: hfss

GRIB: 122 E146

Alias:

surface_upward_sensible_heat_flux_where_sea

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). The surface sensible heat flux, also called "turbulent" heat flux, is the exchange of heat between the surface and the air by motion of air. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. Unless indicated in the cell_methods attribute, a quantity is assumed to apply to the whole area of each horizontal grid box. Previously, the qualifier where_type was used to specify that the quantity applies only to the part of the grid box of the named type. Names containing the where_type qualifier are deprecated and newly created data should use the cell_methods attribute to indicate the horizontal area to which the quantity applies.

surface_upward_water_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). The surface water flux is the result of precipitation and evaporation. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_upward_water_vapor_flux_in_air

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_upwelling_longwave_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

AMIP: rlus

Alias:

surface_upwelling_longwave_flux

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "longwave" means longwave radiation. Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

surface_upwelling_longwave_flux_in_air_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Alias:

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "Amount" means mass per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. Surface amount refers to the amount on the ground, excluding that on the plant or vegetation canopy.

temperature_flux_due_to_evaporation_expressed_as_heat_flux_out_of_sea_water

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

Evaporation is the conversion of liquid or solid into vapor. (The conversion of solid alone into vapor is called "sublimation".) The quantity with standard name temperature_flux_due_to_evaporation_expressed_as_heat_flux_out_of_sea_water is the heat energy carried by the transfer of water away from the liquid ocean through the process of evaporation. It is distinct from the transfer of latent heat and is calculated relative to the heat that would be transported by water evaporating at zero degrees Celsius. It is calculated as the product QevapCpTevap, where Qevap is the mass flux of evaporating water (kg m-2 s-1), Cp is the specific heat capacity of water and Tevap is the temperature in degrees Celsius of the evaporating water. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

temperature_flux_due_to_rainfall_expressed_as_heat_flux_into_sea_water

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The quantity with standard name temperature_flux_due_to_rainfall_expressed_as_heat_flux_into_sea_water is the heat energy carried by rainfall entering the sea at the sea surface. It is calculated relative to the heat that would be carried by rainfall entering the sea at zero degrees Celsius. It is calculated as the product QrainCpTrain, where Qrain is the mass flux of rainfall entering the sea (kg m-2 s-1), Cp is the specific heat capacity of water and Train is the temperature in degrees Celsius of the rain water entering the sea surface. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

temperature_flux_due_to_runoff_expressed_as_heat_flux_into_sea_water

Unit: W m-2

Runoff is the liquid water which drains from land. If not specified, "runoff" refers to the sum of surface runoff and subsurface drainage. The quantity with standard name temperature_flux_due_to_runoff_expressed_as_heat_flux_into_sea_water is the heat carried by the transfer of water into the liquid ocean by the process of runoff. This quantity additonally includes melt water from sea ice and icebergs. It is calculated relative to the heat that would be transported by runoff water entering the sea at zero degrees Celsius. It is calculated as the product QrunoffCpTrunoff, where Q runoff is the mass flux of liquid runoff entering the sea water (kg m-2 s-1), Cp is the specific heat capacity of water, and Trunoff is the temperature in degrees Celsius of the runoff water. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

temperature_of_sensor_for_oxygen_in_sea_water

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

Temperature_of_sensor_for_oxygen_in_sea_water is the instrument temperature used in calculating the concentration of oxygen in sea water; it is not a measurement of the ambient water temperature.

tendency_of_air_density

Unit: kg m-3 s-1

Unit ref: KSP3

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time.

tendency_of_air_pressure

Unit: Pa s-1

GRIB: 3

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time.

Unit: K s-1

Unit ref: KPRS

AMIP: tntmc

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature.

tendency_of_air_temperature_due_to_radiative_heating

Unit: K s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. Air temperature is the bulk temperature of the air, not the surface (skin) temperature.

tendency_of_air_temperature_due_to_shortwave_heating

Unit: K s-1

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_acetic_acid_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_aceto_nitrile_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_ammonia_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_ammonia_due_to_emission

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_ammonia_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Wet deposition" means deposition by precipitation.

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_ammonium_dry_aerosol_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_ammonium_dry_aerosol_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_benzene_due_to_emission

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Emission" means emission from a primary source located anywhere within the atmosphere, including at the lower boundary (i.e. earth's surface). "Emission" is a process entirely distinct from "re-emission" which is used in some standard names. The chemical formula for benzene is C6H6. Benzene is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon and has a ring structure consisting of six carbon atoms joined by alternating single and double chemical bonds. Each carbon atom is additionally bonded to one hydrogen atom. There are standard names that refer to aromatic_compounds as a group, as well as those for individual species.

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_beta_pinene_due_to_emission

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_black_carbon_dry_aerosol_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_black_carbon_dry_aerosol_due_to_emission

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). Aerosol takes up ambient water (a process known as hygroscopic growth) depending on the relative humidity and the composition of the aerosol. "Dry aerosol" means aerosol without water. Black carbon aerosol is composed of elemental carbon. It is strongly light absorbing. "Emission" means emission from a primary source located anywhere within the atmosphere, including at the lower boundary (i.e. earth's surface). "Emission" is a process entirely distinct from "re-emission" which is used in some standard names.

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_black_carbon_dry_aerosol_due_to_gravitational_settling

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_black_carbon_dry_aerosol_due_to_turbulent_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_black_carbon_dry_aerosol_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_butane_due_to_emission

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_dimethyl_sulfide_due_to_emission

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

The phrase "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The specification of a physical process by the phrase "due_to_" process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Emission" means emission from a primary source located anywhere within the atmosphere, including at the lower boundary (i.e. earth's surface). "Emission" is a process entirely distinct from "re-emission" which is used in some standard names.

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_dimethyl_sulfide_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_ozone_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. "Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). Aerosol takes up ambient water (a process known as hygroscopic growth) depending on the relative humidity and the composition of the aerosol. "Dry aerosol" means aerosol without water. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The sum of turbulent deposition and gravitational settling is dry deposition. The term "particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol" means all particulate organic matter dry aerosol except black carbon. It is the sum of primary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol and secondary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol.

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). Aerosol takes up ambient water (a process known as hygroscopic growth) depending on the relative humidity and the composition of the aerosol. "Dry aerosol" means aerosol without water. "particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol" means all particulate organic matter dry aerosol except black carbon. It is the sum of primary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol and secondary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol. "Wet deposition" means deposition by precipitation.

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_peroxyacetyl_nitrate_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_peroxynitric_acid_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_secondary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Aerosol" means the suspended liquid or solid particles in air (except cloud droplets). Aerosol takes up ambient water (a process known as hygroscopic growth) depending on the relative humidity and the composition of the aerosol. "Dry aerosol" means aerosol without water. "Secondary particulate organic matter" means particulate organic matter formed within the atmosphere from gaseous precursors. The sum of primary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol and secondary_particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol is particulate_organic_matter_dry_aerosol. "Wet deposition" means deposition by precipitation.

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_alpha_pinene

Unit: mol s-1

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_carbon_dioxide

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_carbon_monoxide

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_carbon_monoxide_in_atmosphere

Unit: mol s-1

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula of CFC113a CCl3CF3. The IUPAC name for CFC113a is 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2,2-trifluoro-ethane.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_cfc114

Unit: mol s-1

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_cfc114_in_atmosphere

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere,i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula ofCFC114 is CClF2CClF2. The IUPAC name for CFC114 is 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-ethane.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_cfc115

Unit: mol s-1

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_cfc115_in_atmosphere

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. Thechemical formula of CFC115 is CClF2CF3. The IUPAC name for CFC115 is 1-chloro-1,1,2,2,2-pentafluoro-ethane.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_cfc12

Unit: mol s-1

Alias:

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for dimethyl sulfide is (CH3)2S. Dimethyl sulfide is sometimes referred to as DMS.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_dinitrogen_pentoxide

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_ethane

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for ethane is C2H6. Ethane is a member of the group of hydrocarbons known as alkanes. There are standard names for the alkane group as well as for some of the individual species.

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for HCFC141b is CH3CCl2F. The IUPAC name for HCFC141b is 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_hcfc142b

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for HCFC142b is CH3CClF2. The IUPAC name for HCFC142b is 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_hcfc22

Unit: mol s-1

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_hcfc22_in_atmosphere

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for HCFC22 is CHClF2. The IUPAC name for HCFC22 is chloro-difluoro-methane.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_hexachlorobiphenyl

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_nmvoc_expressed_as_carbon

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_toluene

Unit: mol s-1

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for toluene is C6H5CH3. Toluene has the same structure as benzene, except that one of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by a methyl group. The systematic name for toluene is methylbenzene.

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_water_vapor

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

tendency_of_atmosphere_moles_of_xylene

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. The construction "atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X in the entire atmosphere, i.e. summed over the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula for xylene is C6H4C2H6. In chemistry, xylene is a generic term for a group of three isomers of dimethylbenzene. The IUPAC names for the isomers are 1,2-dimethylbenzene, 1,3-dimethylbenzene and 1,4-dimethylbenzene. Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon. There are standard names that refer to aromatic_compounds as a group, as well as those for individual species.

tendency_of_atmosphere_number_content_of_aerosol_particles_due_to_dry_deposition

Unit: m-2 s-2

Unit ref: M2S2

tendency_of_atmosphere_number_content_of_aerosol_particles_due_to_gravitational_settling

Unit: m-2 s-1

Unit ref: M2S2

tendency_of_atmosphere_number_content_of_aerosol_particles_due_to_turbulent_depostion

Unit: m-2 s-1

tendency_of_atmosphere_number_content_of_aerosol_particles_due_to_wet_deposition

Unit: m-2 s-1

Unit ref: M2S2

tendency_of_atmosphere_potential_energy_content_due_to_advection

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. Potential energy is the sum of the gravitational potential energy relative to the geoid and the centripetal potential energy. (The geopotential is the specific potential energy.)

tendency_of_atmosphere_water_content_due_to_advection

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The "atmosphere content" of a quantity refers to the vertical integral from the surface to the top of the atmosphere. For the content between specified levels in the atmosphere, standard names including content_of_atmosphere_layer are used. "Water" means water in all phases.

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. Altitude is the (geometric) height above the geoid, which is the reference geopotential surface. The geoid is similar to mean sea level. "Bedrock" is the solid Earth surface beneath land ice or ocean water.

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

tendency_of_eastward_wind_due_to_gravity_wave_drag

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

AMIP: tnmmugwd

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) The quantity named tendency_of_eastward_wind_due_to_gravity_wave_drag is the sum of the tendencies due to orographic and nonorographic gravity waves which have standard names of tendency_of_eastward_wind_due_to_orographic_gravity_wave_drag and tendency_of_eastward_wind_due_to_nonorographic_gravity_wave_drag, respectively.

tendency_of_eastward_wind_due_to_nonorographic_gravity_wave_drag

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

tendency_of_eastward_wind_due_to_numerical_artefacts

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X).

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_cloud_liquid_water_in_air

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_cloud_liquid_water_in_air_due_to_advection

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. Mass fraction is used in the construction mass_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. It means the ratio of the mass of X to the mass of Y (including X).

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_cloud_liquid_water_in_air_due_to_diffusion

Unit: s-1

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_stratiform_cloud_ice_in_air_due_to_heterogeneous_nucleation_from_cloud_liquid

Unit: s-1

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_stratiform_cloud_liquid_water_in_air_due_to_heterogeneous_nucleation

Unit: s-1

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_stratiform_cloud_liquid_water_in_air_due_to_homogeneous_nucleation

Unit: s-1

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_stratiform_cloud_liquid_water_in_air_due_to_melting_from_cloud_ice

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

tendency_of_mass_fraction_of_stratiform_cloud_liquid_water_in_air_due_to_riming

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

tendency_of_middle_atmosphere_moles_of_carbon_monoxide

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_carbon_monoxide_in_middle_atmosphere

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "middle_atmosphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X contained in the troposphere and stratosphere, i.e, summed over that part of the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula of carbon monoxide is CO.

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

tendency_of_northward_wind_due_to_convection

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

AMIP: tnmmvc

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

tendency_of_northward_wind_due_to_diffusion

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

tendency_of_northward_wind_due_to_gravity_wave_drag

Unit: m s-2

AMIP: tnmmvgwd

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Northward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed northward (negative southward). Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

tendency_of_ocean_barotropic_streamfunction

Unit: m3 s-2

Unit ref: MCS2

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time.

tendency_of_ocean_eddy_kinetic_energy_content_due_to_bolus_transport

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. Bolus transport in an ocean model means the part due to a scheme representing eddy-induced effects not included in the velocity field.

Unit: s-1

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. Sea ice area fraction is area of the sea surface occupied by sea ice. It is also called "sea ice concentration". "Sea ice dynamics" refers to the motion of sea ice.

tendency_of_sea_ice_area_fraction_due_to_thermodynamics

Unit: s-1

tendency_of_sea_ice_thickness_due_to_dynamics

Unit: m s-1

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Sea ice dynamics" refers to the motion of sea ice.

tendency_of_sea_ice_thickness_due_to_thermodynamics

Unit: m s-1

GRIB: 97

tendency_of_sea_water_salinity

Unit: 1e-3 s-1

The unit of salinity is PSU, which is dimensionless. The units attribute should be given as 1e-3 or 0.001 i.e. parts per thousand if salinity is in PSU. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time.

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

tendency_of_specific_humidity_due_to_advection

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

tendency_of_specific_humidity_due_to_convection

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

AMIP: tnmrc

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

tendency_of_specific_humidity_due_to_diffusion

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

tendency_of_specific_humidity_due_to_large_scale_precipitation

Unit: s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

tendency_of_specific_humidity_due_to_model_physics

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

AMIP: tnmrd

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "specific" means per unit mass. Specific humidity is the mass fraction of water vapor in (moist) air.

tendency_of_surface_air_pressure

Unit: Pa s-1

GRIB: E158

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time.

tendency_of_surface_snow_amount

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Amount" means mass per unit area. Surface amount refers to the amount on the ground, excluding that on the plant or vegetation canopy.

tendency_of_troposphere_moles_of_carbon_monoxide

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_carbon_monoxide_in_troposphere

tendency_of_troposphere_moles_of_hcc140a

Unit: mol s-1

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_hcc140a_in_troposphere

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "troposphere_moles_of_X" means the total number of moles of X contained in the troposphere, i.e, summed over that part of the atmospheric column and over the entire globe. The chemical formula of HCC140a is CH3CCl3. The IUPAC name for HCC140a is 1,1,1-trichloroethane.

Unit: mol s-1

Unit ref: MLPS

Alias:

tendency_of_moles_of_molecular_hydrogen_in_troposphere

tendency_of_upward_air_velocity

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

"tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

tendency_of_upward_air_velocity_due_to_advection

Unit: m s-2

Unit ref: MPS2

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. A velocity is a vector quantity. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

tendency_of_water_vapor_content_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

tendency_of_water_vapor_content_of_atmosphere_layer_due_to_convection

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well.

tendency_of_water_vapor_content_of_atmosphere_layer_due_to_deep_convection

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well.

tendency_of_water_vapor_content_of_atmosphere_layer_due_to_shallow_convection

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time. "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Layer" means any layer with upper and lower boundaries that have constant values in some vertical coordinate. There must be a vertical coordinate variable indicating the extent of the layer(s). If the layers are model layers, the vertical coordinate can be model_level_number, but it is recommended to specify a physical coordinate (in a scalar or auxiliary coordinate variable) as well.

tendency_of_water_vapor_content_of_atmosphere_layer_due_to_turbulence

Unit ref: ULAA

thickness_of_snowfall_amount

Unit: m

Unit ref: ULAA

thunderstorm_probability

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

GRIB: 60

"probability_of_X" means the chance that X is true or of at least one occurrence of X. Space and time coordinates must be used to indicate the area and time-interval to which a probability applies.

time

Unit: s

toa_brightness_temperature_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

The brightness temperature of a body is the temperature of a black body which radiates the same power per unit solid angle per unit area. A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "toa" means top of atmosphere.

toa_cloud_radiative_effect

Unit: W m-2

"toa" means top of atmosphere. Cloud radiative effect is also commonly known as "cloud radiative forcing". It is the sum of the quantities with standard names toa_shortwave_cloud_radiative_effect and toa_longwave_cloud_radiative_effect.

toa_incoming_shortwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rsdt

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. The TOA incoming shortwave flux is the radiative flux from the sun i.e. the "downwelling" TOA shortwave flux. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_instantaneous_longwave_forcing

Unit: W m-2

"longwave" means longwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. Instantaneous forcing is the radiative flux change caused instantaneously by an imposed change in radiative forcing agent (greenhouse gases, aerosol, solar radiation, etc.).

toa_instantaneous_radiative_forcing

Unit: W m-2

"toa" means top of atmosphere. Instantaneous forcing is the radiative flux change caused instantaneously by an imposed change in radiative forcing agent (greenhouse gases, aerosol, solar radiation, etc.).

toa_instantaneous_shortwave_forcing

Unit: W m-2

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. Instantaneous forcing is the radiative flux change caused instantaneously by an imposed change in radiative forcing agent (greenhouse gases, aerosol, solar radiation, etc.).

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rst

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_net_downward_shortwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). Net downward radiation is the difference between radiation from above (downwelling) and radiation from below (upwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_net_upward_longwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"longwave" means longwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Net upward radiation is the difference between radiation from below (upwelling) and radiation from above (downwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_net_upward_longwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "longwave" means longwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Net upward radiation is the difference between radiation from below (upwelling) and radiation from above (downwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_net_upward_shortwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

GRIB: 113 E178

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Net upward radiation is the difference between radiation from below (upwelling) and radiation from above (downwelling). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_outgoing_longwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rlut

GRIB: 114 E179

"longwave" means longwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. The TOA outgoing longwave flux is the upwelling thermal radiative flux, often called the "outgoing longwave radiation" or "OLR". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_outgoing_longwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rlutcs

A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "longwave" means longwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. The TOA outgoing longwave flux is the upwelling thermal radiative flux, often called the "outgoing longwave radiation" or "OLR". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_outgoing_shortwave_flux

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rsut

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. The TOA outgoing shortwave flux is the reflected and scattered solar radiative flux i.e. the "upwelling" TOA shortwave flux, sometimes called the "outgoing shortwave radiation" or "OSR". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_outgoing_shortwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

AMIP: rsutcs

A phrase assuming_condition indicates that the named quantity is the value which would obtain if all aspects of the system were unaltered except for the assumption of the circumstances specified by the condition. "shortwave" means shortwave radiation. "toa" means top of atmosphere. The TOA outgoing shortwave flux is the reflected and scattered solar radiative flux i.e. the "upwelling" TOA shortwave flux, sometimes called the "outgoing shortwave radiation" or "OSR". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

toa_shortwave_cloud_radiative_effect

Unit: W m-2

"toa" means top of atmosphere. "Shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Cloud radiative effect is also commonly known as "cloud radiative forcing". It is the difference in radiative flux resulting from the presence of clouds, i.e. the difference between toa_net_downward_shortwave_flux and toa_net_downward_shortwave_flux_assuming_clear_sky.

transpiration_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Amount" means mass per unit area.

transpiration_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

Altitude is the (geometric) height above the geoid, which is the reference geopotential surface. The geoid is similar to mean sea level.

Unit: W m-2

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

upward_air_velocity

Unit: m s-1

GRIB: 40

A velocity is a vector quantity. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). Upward air velocity is the vertical component of the 3D air velocity vector.

upward_dry_static_energy_flux_due_to_diffusion

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_nonorographic_eastward_gravity_waves

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

Alias:

upward_flux_of_eastward_momentum_due_to_nonorographic_eastward_gravity_waves

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Upward eastward" indicates the ZX component of a tensor. An upward eastward momentum flux is an upward flux of eastward momentum, which accelerates the upper medium eastward and the lower medium westward. Momentum flux is dimensionally equivalent to stress and pressure. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The total upward eastward momentum flux due to gravity waves is the sum of the fluxes due to orographic gravity waves and nonorographic waves. The upward eastward momentum flux due to orographic gravity waves has the standard name upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_orographic_gravity_waves. The total upward eastward momentum flux due to nonorographic gravity waves is the sum of the fluxes due to eastward and westward propagating waves. The latter has the standard name upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_nonorographic_westward_gravity_waves.

upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_nonorographic_westward_gravity_waves

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

Alias:

upward_flux_of_eastward_momentum_due_to_nonorographic_westward_gravity_waves

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Upward eastward" indicates the ZX component of a tensor. An upward eastward momentum flux is an upward flux of eastward momentum, which accelerates the upper medium eastward and the lower medium westward. Momentum flux is dimensionally equivalent to stress and pressure. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The total upward eastward momentum flux due to gravity waves is the sum of the fluxes due to orographic gravity waves and nonorographic waves. The upward eastward momentum flux due to orographic gravity waves has the standard name upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_orographic_gravity_waves. The total upward eastward momentum flux due to nonorographic gravity waves is the sum of the fluxes due to eastward and westward propagating waves. The former has the standard name upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_nonorographic_eastward _gravity_waves.

upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_orographic_gravity_waves

Unit: Pa

Unit ref: PASX

Alias:

upward_flux_of_eastward_momentum_due_to_orographic_gravity_waves

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). "Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Upward eastward" indicates the ZX component of a tensor. An upward eastward momentum flux is an upward flux of eastward momentum, which accelerates the upper medium eastward and the lower medium westward. Momentum flux is dimensionally equivalent to stress and pressure. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The total upward eastward momentum flux due to gravity waves is the sum of the fluxes due to orographic gravity waves and nonorographic waves. The total upward eastward momentum flux due to nonorographic gravity waves is the sum of the fluxes due to eastward and westward propagating waves. These quantities have the standard names upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_nonorographic_eastward_gravity_waves and upward_eastward_momentum_flux_in_air_due_to_nonorographic_westward_gravity_waves, respectively.

upward_eastward_stress_at_sea_ice_base

Unit: Pa

"Eastward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed eastward (negative westward). "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). "Upward eastward" indicates the ZX component of a tensor. An upward eastward stress is an upward flux of eastward momentum, which accelerates the upper medium eastward and the lower medium westward.

upward_eliassen_palm_flux_in_air

Unit: m3 s-2

Unit ref: MCS2

Alias:

upward_eliassen_palm_flux

"Eliassen Palm flux" is a widely used vector in the meridional plane, and the divergence of this flux appears as a forcing in the Transformed Eulerian mean formulation of the zonal mean zonal wind equation. "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward).

upward_geothermal_heat_flux_at_sea_floor

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

"Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

upward_heat_flux_at_ground_level_in_snow

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

ground_level means the land surface (beneath the snow and surface water, if any). "Upward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed upward (negative downward). In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

upward_heat_flux_at_ground_level_in_soil

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

upward_heat_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2 sr-1

"longwave" means longwave radiation. Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction towards which it is going must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead.

upwelling_shortwave_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2

upwelling_shortwave_radiance_in_air

Unit: W m-2 sr-1

"shortwave" means shortwave radiation. Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction towards which it is going must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead.

upwelling_spectral_radiance_in_air

Unit: W m-2 m-1 sr-1

Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. Radiance is the radiative flux in a particular direction, per unit of solid angle. The direction towards which it is going must be specified, for instance with a coordinate of zenith_angle. If the radiation does not depend on direction, a standard name of isotropic radiance should be chosen instead.

upwelling_spectral_radiative_flux_in_air

Unit: W m-2 m-1

Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

upwelling_spectral_radiative_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: W m-2 m-1

Upwelling radiation is radiation from below. It does not mean "net upward". "spectral" means per unit wavelength or as a function of wavelength; spectral quantities are sometimes called "monochromatic". Radiation wavelength has standard name radiation_wavelength. When thought of as being incident on a surface, a radiative flux is sometimes called "irradiance". In addition, it is identical with the quantity measured by a cosine-collector light-meter and sometimes called "vector irradiance". In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

vegetation_area_fraction

Unit: 1

GRIB: 87

"X_area_fraction" means the fraction of horizontal area occupied by X. "X_area" means the horizontal area occupied by X within the grid cell. "Vegetation" means any plants e.g. trees, shrubs, grass.

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

The virtual_salt_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_process is the salt flux that would have the same effect on the sea surface salinity as water_flux_out_of_sea_water_due_to_process. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase.

virtual_salt_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_sea_ice_thermodynamics

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The virtual_salt_flux_into_sea_water_due_to_process is the salt flux that would have the same effect on the sea surface salinity as water_flux_out_of_sea_water_due_to_process. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Sea ice thermodynamics" refers to the addition or subtraction of mass due to surface and basal fluxes, i.e., due to melting, sublimation and fusion.

virtual_salt_flux_into_sea_water_from_rivers

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

virtual_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

GRIB: 12

The virtual temperature of air is the temperature at which the dry air constituent of a parcel of moist air would have the same density as the moist air at the same pressure.

visibility_in_air

Unit: m

Unit: 1

"Volume fraction" is used in the construction volume_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

volume_fraction_of_condensed_water_in_soil

Unit: 1

Alias:

volume_fraction_of_water_in_soil

"Condensed water" means liquid and ice. "Volume fraction" is used in the construction volume_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y.

volume_fraction_of_condensed_water_in_soil_at_critical_point

Unit: 1

Alias:

volume_fraction_of_water_in_soil_at_critical_point

"Condensed water" means liquid and ice. "Volume fraction" is used in the construction volume_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. When soil moisture equals or exceeds the critical point evapotranspiration takes place at the potential rate and is controlled by the ambient meteorological conditions (temperature, wind, relative humidity). Evapotranspiration is the sum of evaporation and plant transpiration. Potential evapotranspiration is the rate at which evapotranspiration would occur under ambient conditions from a uniformly vegetated area when the water supply is not limiting.

volume_fraction_of_condensed_water_in_soil_at_field_capacity

Unit: 1

Alias:

volume_fraction_of_water_in_soil_at_field_capacity

"Condensed water" means liquid and ice. "Volume fraction" is used in the construction volume_fraction_of_X_in_Y, where X is a material constituent of Y. The field capacity of soil is the maximum content of water it can retain against gravitational drainage.

volume_fraction_of_condensed_water_in_soil_at_wilting_point

Unit: 1

Alias:

Unit: 1

Unit ref: UUUU

"ratio_of_X_to_Y" means X/Y. "stp" means standard temperature (0 degC) and pressure (101325 Pa).

volume_scattering_coefficient_of_radiative_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: m-1

Unit ref: UPRM

Radiative flux is the sum of shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The volume scattering/absorption/attenuation coefficient is the fractional change of radiative flux per unit path length due to the stated process. Coefficients with canonical units of m2 s-1 i.e. multiplied by density have standard names with specific_ instead of volume_. The scattering/absorption/attenuation coefficient is assumed to be an integral over all wavelengths, unless a coordinate of radiation_wavelength is included to specify the wavelength. Scattering of radiation is its deflection from its incident path without loss of energy. The (range of) direction(s) of scattering can be specified by a coordinate of scattering_angle.

volume_scattering_function_of_radiative_flux_in_sea_water

Unit: m-1 sr-1

Radiative flux is the sum of shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. Scattering of radiation is its deflection from its incident path without loss of energy. The volume scattering function is the fraction of incident radiative flux scattered into unit solid angle per unit path length. The (range of) direction(s) of scattering can be specified by a coordinate of scattering_angle.

water_content_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: kg m-2

water_evaporation_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

GRIB: 57

"Amount" means mass per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases. Evaporation is the conversion of liquid or solid into vapor. (The conversion of solid alone into vapor is called "sublimation".)

water_evaporation_amount_from_canopy

Unit: kg m-2

Alias:

water_evaporation_amount_from_canopy_where_land

"Amount" means mass per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases. "Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. Evaporation is the conversion of liquid or solid into vapor. (The conversion of solid alone into vapor is called "sublimation".)

water_evaporation_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

AMIP: evspsbl

Water means water in all phases. Evaporation is the conversion of liquid or solid into vapor. (The conversion of solid alone into vapor is called "sublimation".) In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. Unless indicated in the cell_methods attribute, a quantity is assumed to apply to the whole area of each horizontal grid box. Previously, the qualifier where_type was used to specify that the quantity applies only to the part of the grid box of the named type. Names containing the where_type qualifier are deprecated and newly created data should use the cell_methods attribute to indicate the horizontal area to which the quantity applies.

water_evaporation_flux_from_canopy

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Alias:

water_evaporation_flux_from_canopy_where_land

"Water" means water in all phases. "Canopy" means the plant or vegetation canopy. Evaporation is the conversion of liquid or solid into vapor. (The conversion of solid alone into vapor is called "sublimation".) In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. Unless indicated in the cell_methods attribute, a quantity is assumed to apply to the whole area of each horizontal grid box. Previously, the qualifier where_type was used to specify that the quantity applies only to the part of the grid box of the named type. Names containing the where_type qualifier are deprecated and newly created data should use the cell_methods attribute to indicate the horizontal area to which the quantity applies.

water_evaporation_flux_from_soil

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Alias:

water_flux_into_ocean_from_rivers

"Water" means water in all phases. The water flux or volume transport into sea water from rivers is the inflow to the ocean, often applied to the surface in ocean models. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

water_flux_into_sea_water_from_rivers_and_surface_downward_water_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

"Water" means water in all phases, including frozen i.e. ice and snow. "Downward" indicates a vector component which is positive when directed downward (negative upward). The surface water flux is the result of precipitation and evaporation. The water flux into sea water is the freshwater entering as a result of precipitation, evaporation, river inflow, sea ice effects and water flux correction (if applied). The water flux or volume transport into sea water from rivers is the inflow to the ocean, often applied to the surface in ocean models. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics. The surface called "surface" means the lower boundary of the atmosphere.

water_flux_into_sea_water_without_flux_correction

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

Water means water in all phases. The water_flux_into_sea_water_without_flux_correction is the freshwater entering as a result of precipitation, evaporation, river inflow and sea ice effects. The total water flux including any flux relaxation(s) or correction(s) is described by the standard name water_flux_into_sea_water. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

The specification of a physical process by the phrase due_to_process means that the quantity named is a single term in a sum of terms which together compose the general quantity named by omitting the phrase. "Water" means water in all phases. The water flux out of sea water is the freshwater leaving the sea water. "Sea ice thermodynamics" refers to the addition or subtraction of sea ice mass due to surface and basal fluxes. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

water_potential_evaporation_amount

Unit: kg m-2

Unit ref: KMP2

"Amount" means mass per unit area. "Water" means water in all phases. Evaporation is the conversion of liquid or solid into vapor. (The conversion of solid alone into vapor is called "sublimation".) Potential evaporation is the rate at which evaporation would take place under unaltered ambient conditions (temperature, relative humidity, wind, etc.) if the supply of water were unlimited, as if from an open water surface.

water_potential_evaporation_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

"Water" means water in all phases. Evaporation is the conversion of liquid or solid into vapor. (The conversion of solid alone into vapor is called "sublimation".) Potential evaporation is the rate at which evaporation would take place under unaltered ambient conditions (temperature, relative humidity, wind, etc.) if the supply of water were unlimited, as if from an open water surface. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

water_sublimation_flux

Unit: kg m-2 s-1

Unit ref: KSP2

"Water" means water in all phases. Sublimation is the conversion of solid into vapor. In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per unit area, called "flux density" in physics.

water_vapor_content_of_atmosphere_layer

Unit: kg m-2

water_vapor_pressure

Unit: Pa

GRIB: 55

Vapor pressure is the partial pressure of a constituent of air, such as water, which exists as liquid or solid under "normal" conditions. "Water" is specified when the term is being applied to water.

water_vapor_saturation_deficit

Unit: Pa

GRIB: 56

Water vapor saturation deficit is the difference between the saturation water vapor pressure and the actual water vapor pressure.

water_volume_transport_into_sea_water_from_rivers

Unit: m3 s-1

Alias:

water_volume_transport_into_ocean_from_rivers

"Water" means water in all phases. The water flux or volume transport into sea water from rivers is the inflow to the ocean, often applied to the surface in ocean models.

wave_frequency

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

Alias:

sea_surface_wave_frequency

Frequency is the number of oscillations of a wave per unit time.

wet_bulb_temperature

Unit: K

Unit ref: UPKA

wind_from_direction

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

GRIB: 31

Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) In meteorological reports, the direction of the wind vector is usually (but not always) given as the direction from which it is blowing (wind_from_direction) (westerly, northerly, etc.). In other contexts, such as atmospheric modelling, it is often natural to give the direction in the usual manner of vectors as the heading or the direction to which it is blowing (wind_to_direction) (eastward, southward, etc.) "from_direction" is used in the construction X_from_direction and indicates the direction from which the velocity vector of X is coming.

wind_mixing_energy_flux_into_sea_water

Unit: W m-2

Unit ref: UFAA

GRIB: 126

Alias:

wind_mixing_energy_flux_into_ocean

wind_speed

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

GRIB: 32

wind_speed_of_gust

Unit: m s-1

Unit ref: UVAA

Speed is the magnitude of velocity. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) The wind speed is the magnitude of the wind velocity. A gust is a sudden brief period of high wind speed. In an observed timeseries of wind speed, the gust wind speed can be indicated by a cell_methods of maximum for the time-interval. In an atmospheric model which has a parametrised calculation of gustiness, the gust wind speed may be separately diagnosed from the wind speed.

wind_speed_shear

Unit: s-1

Unit ref: PRSC

GRIB: N136

wind_to_direction

Unit: degree

Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.) In meteorological reports, the direction of the wind vector is usually (but not always) given as the direction from which it is blowing (wind_from_direction) (westerly, northerly, etc.). In other contexts, such as atmospheric modelling, it is often natural to give the direction in the usual manner of vectors as the heading or the direction to which it is blowing (wind_to_direction) (eastward, southward, etc.) "to_direction" is used in the construction X_to_direction and indicates the direction towards which the velocity vector of X is headed.

x_derivative_of_ocean_rigid_lid_pressure

Unit: Pa m-1

"component_derivative_of_X " means the derivative of X with respect to distance in the component direction, which may be northward, southward, eastward, westward, x or y. The last two indicate derivatives along the axes of the grid, in the case where they are not true longitude and latitude. x_derivative_of_ocean_rigid_lid_pressure means (d/dx) of the ocean surface pressure, as derived by a rigid lid approximation, keeping the other horizontal coordinate (y, presumably) constant.

x_wind

Unit: m s-1

Alias:

grid_eastward_wind

"x" indicates a vector component along the grid x-axis, when this is not true longitude, positive with increasing x. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

y_derivative_of_ocean_rigid_lid_pressure

Unit: Pa m-1

"component_derivative_of_X " means the derivative of X with respect to distance in the component direction, which may be northward, southward, eastward, westward, x or y. The last two indicate derivatives along the axes of the grid, in the case where they are not true longitude and latitude. y_derivative_of_ocean_rigid_lid_pressure means (d/dy) of the ocean surface pressure, as derived by a rigid lid approximation, keeping the other horizontal coordinate (x, presumably) constant.

y_wind

Unit: m s-1

Alias:

grid_northward_wind

"y" indicates a vector component along the grid y-axis, when this is not true latitude, positive with increasing y. Wind is defined as a two-dimensional (horizontal) air velocity vector, with no vertical component. (Vertical motion in the atmosphere has the standard name upward_air_velocity.)

zenith_angle

Unit: degree

Unit ref: UAAA

Zenith angle is the angle to the local vertical; a value of zero is directly overhead.

CF Version:12