We are implementing NetCDF formatting for the output of a coupled physical-ecosystem model for the ocean. In doing so, we have striven to comply with the CF convention. One issue that came up was the standard_names for the variables our model produces. We found some that we felt were appropriate in the current listing (http://cf-pcmdi.llnl.gov/documents/cf-standard-names/11/cf-standard-name-table.html). However, there are several variables for which  we didn't find appropriate standard_names. With the kind help of Roy Lowry at BODC, we have constructed some suggested additions to the list, which we would like to submit here. The following table includes the suggested names and canonical units. I add a "typical unit" to show what we actually calculate.

NetCDF standard_name* canonical unit typical unit
mass_concentration_of_inorganic_nitrogen_in_sea_water kg m-3 ug/l
mass_concentration_of_phosphate_in_sea_water kg m-3 ug/l
mole_concentration_of_phosphate_in_sea_water mol m-3 umol/l
mass_concentration_of_silicate_in_sea_water kg m-3 ug/l
mass_concentration_of_organic_detritus_in_sea_water_expressed_as_nitrogen kg m-3 ug/l
mass_concentration_of_organic_detritus_in_sea_water_expressed_as_carbon kg m-3 ug/l
mass_concentration_of_diatoms_in_sea_water_expressed_as_nitrogen kg m-3 ug/l
mass_concentration_of_diatoms_in_sea_water_expressed_as_carbon kg m-3 ug/l
mass_concentration_of_flagellates_in_sea_water_expressed_as_nitrogen kg m-3 ug/l
mass_concentration_of_flagellates_in_sea_water_expressed_as_carbon kg m-3 ug/l
volume_concentration_of_oxygen_in_sea_water l l-1 ml/l
ratio_of_nitrate_to_phosphate_in_sea_water 1 1
mass_concentration_of_phytoplankton_in_sea_water_expressed_as_chlorophyll kg m-3 ug/l

We believe that these are fairly common variables in the marine modelling and biological community, and that many will be interested in using them. The one we are most in doubt about is the oxygen concentration; our users have requested getting data in units of ml/l, but we're not quite sure how to describe it in a CF way.

This is the first time I've made a submission like this, so please let me know if you need any clarification.

Best regards,
Bruce Hackett

-- 
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   Bruce Hackett                         Senior Scientist
   Norwegian Meteorological Institute (met.no), R & D Div.
   P.O. Box 43 - Blindern                e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
   N-0313 Oslo                           Phone:  +47 22 96 33 39
   NORWAY                                Fax:    +47 22 96 33 80
                                         Mob:    +47 48 048 958
   URL:  http://met.no/english/r_and_d_activities/people/bruceh.html
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