CMIP5 is the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) promoted by the WCRP's Working Group on Coupled Modelling (WGCM). CMIP5 aimed at providing a multi-model context for 1) assessing the mechanisms responsible for model differences in poorly understood feedbacks associated with the carbon cycle and with clouds, 2) examining climate “predictability” and exploring the ability of models to predict climate on decadal time scales, and, more generally, 3) determining why similarly forced models produce a range of responses.

As of 2015, CMIP5 data are very likely the most frequently used GCM data in the world. Their popularity partly has its origin in their systematic structure, which facilitates model intercomparison:

• Structured system of model experiments
• Minimum requirements for years and number of ensemble members
• Centralized variable names, units and rules for mean value calculation
• Centralized file format

Information on CMIP5 Data

From our Support Service Pages:

• How to access CMIP5 Data (via European Data Portals of Earth System Grid Federation ESGF)