Addressing Climate Information Needs at the Regional Level: The CORDEX Framework. Giorgi, F., Jones, C., & Asrar, G. R. World Meteorological Organization Bulletin, 58(3):175–183, 2009.
abstract   bibtex   
[Excerpt: Summary and conclusions] In this article, we present a new framework for regional climate modelling and downscaling, called CORDEX, with the two-fold aim of developing a coordinated framework for evaluating and improving RCD techniques and producing a new generation of RCD-based fine-scale climate projections for identified regions worldwide. We envision that CORDEX will provide a framework for better coordination of RCD-related research and modelling activities within the regional climate modelling and downscaling communities. Past experience has shown that projects such as AMIP and CMIP are invaluable for the global modelling community and CORDEX is essentially structured to play a similar role for the RCD community. [] A complementary role of CORDEX is to bridge the existing gap between the climate modelling community and the end-users of climate information. This can be achieved by increasing communication across these two communities and by targeting the structure of the CORDEX experimental and data-management activities to facilitate the use of common standards and formats that will enhance more effective and greater use of the resulting climate information by the end-users. [] Here we have described the first design and implementation phase of CORDEX, with an emphasis on the next two-four years (i.e. on the timescale of IPCC AR5). It is envisaged, however, that CORDEX will provide a longer-term framework for continued use and support by the RCD community. While the initial focus is on Africa, as stated earlier, simulations over other domains are welcomed. Similarly, while the initial grid spacing is 50 km, to foster wide participation, groups are encouraged to explore the benefits of increased model resolution as their resources permit, but also in a coordinated fashion with other interested participants. While the initial focus of CORDEX is on 21st century scenario simulations, we plan to extend the CORDEX framework in the future to address the decadal prediction problem also, as research in this area matures sufficiently within the global climate modelling community. [] Finally, we stress that it is important that the common interior domains and experiment plans are adopted as much as possible by participating groups so as to facilitate the intercomparison and analysis of models and techniques and the assessment of uncertainties in regional climate-change projections. Coordination of RCD activities is essential for a better understanding of RCD techniques and a more fruitful use of RCD-based products for societal needs.
@article{giorgiAddressingClimateInformation2009,
  title = {Addressing Climate Information Needs at the Regional Level: The {{CORDEX}} Framework},
  author = {Giorgi, Filippo and Jones, Colin and Asrar, Ghassem R.},
  year = {2009},
  volume = {58},
  pages = {175--183},
  issn = {0042-9767},
  abstract = {[Excerpt: Summary and conclusions]

In this article, we present a new framework for regional climate modelling and downscaling, called CORDEX, with the two-fold aim of developing a coordinated framework for evaluating and improving RCD techniques and producing a new generation of RCD-based fine-scale climate projections for identified regions worldwide. We envision that CORDEX will provide a framework for better coordination of RCD-related research and modelling activities within the regional climate modelling and downscaling communities. Past experience has shown that projects such as AMIP and CMIP are invaluable for the global modelling community and CORDEX is essentially structured to play a similar role for the RCD community.

[] A complementary role of CORDEX is to bridge the existing gap between the climate modelling community and the end-users of climate information. This can be achieved by increasing communication across these two communities and by targeting the structure of the CORDEX experimental and data-management activities to facilitate the use of common standards and formats that will enhance more effective and greater use of the resulting climate information by the end-users.

[] Here we have described the first design and implementation phase of CORDEX, with an emphasis on the next two-four years (i.e. on the timescale of IPCC AR5). It is envisaged, however, that CORDEX will provide a longer-term framework for continued use and support by the RCD community. While the initial focus is on Africa, as stated earlier, simulations over other domains are welcomed. Similarly, while the initial grid spacing is 50 km, to foster wide participation, groups are encouraged to explore the benefits of increased model resolution as their resources permit, but also in a coordinated fashion with other interested participants. While the initial focus of CORDEX is on 21st century scenario simulations, we plan to extend the CORDEX framework in the future to address the decadal prediction problem also, as research in this area matures sufficiently within the global climate modelling community.

[] Finally, we stress that it is important that the common interior domains and experiment plans are adopted as much as possible by participating groups so as to facilitate the intercomparison and analysis of models and techniques and the assessment of uncertainties in regional climate-change projections. Coordination of RCD activities is essential for a better understanding of RCD techniques and a more fruitful use of RCD-based products for societal needs.},
  journal = {World Meteorological Organization Bulletin},
  keywords = {*imported-from-citeulike-INRMM,~INRMM-MiD:c-14430520,climate-projections,cordex,downscaling,regional-climate-models},
  lccn = {INRMM-MiD:c-14430520},
  number = {3}
}

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