Dear All,
I am proposing some further standard names for the C4MIP project in CMIP6 -
this should complete the list of quantities needed. I'm sure Chris will comment
on these in due course and any other comments and suggestions for improvement
are always welcome.
Quite a lot of these names are for nitrogen contents and fluxes in and out of
the atmosphere and various land surface components. Chris, please could you
check in particular that I have named the nitrogen species correctly in each
case? For some names I think it's fine just to say 'nitrogen' but in others I
have said inorganic_nitrogen or nitrogen_compounds_expressed_as_nitrogen
depending on what seemed most appropriate, but I may not have chosen the best
alternative in every case and I'd appreciate some advice about this.
An additional wrinkle to this is that there are two alternative pieces of text
that I could use to define nitrogen_compounds_expressed_as_nitrogen. One of
them was introduced for OMIP, i.e. ocean, nitrogen quantities:
' "Nitrogen compounds" summarizes all chemical species containing nitrogen
atoms. The list of individual species that are included in this quantity 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.'
This is generic so could easily be applied to all the nitrogen_compounds names,
but it doesn't give any hint about what individual species are actually
involved.
There is another, more detailed definition that was introduced last year for
various atmospheric nitrogen terms:
' "Nitrogen compounds" summarizes all chemical species containing nitrogen
atoms. Usually, particle bound and gaseous nitrogen compounds, such as atomic
nitrogen (N), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen
pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid (HNO3), nitrate (NO3-), peroxynitric acid (HNO4),
ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), bromine nitrate (BrONO2), chlorine nitrate
(ClONO2) and organic nitrates (most notably peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes
referred to as PAN, (CH3COO2NO2)) are included. The list of individual species
that are included in this quantity 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.'
I have used the more detailed definition where I thought it might apply (fluxes
into/ out of the atmosphere, atmospheric tendencies) and the generic definition
elsewhere. Again, I'd appreciate advice on whether I've made the correct
choices in each case.
1. wood_debris_mass_content_of_nitrogen (kg m-2)
' "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Wood debris" means dead
organic matter composed of coarse wood. It is distinct from litter.'
2. surface_litter_mass_content_of_nitrogen (kg m-2)
' "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Litter" is dead plant material
in or above the soil. "Surface litter" means the part of the litter resting
above the soil surface.'
3. subsurface_litter_mass_content_of_nitrogen (kg m-2)
' "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Litter" is dead plant material
in or above the soil. "Subsurface litter" means the part of the litter mixed
within the soil below the surface.'
4. wood_mass_content_of_nitrogen (kg m-2)
' "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area.'
This is by analogy with the existing standard name 'wood_carbon_content'.
Although we don't currently define 'wood' in this context I am sure it means
'living wood' as opposed to wood_debris. The CMIP6 data request talks about
'stem'. I appreciate that 'stem' could refer to more than just trees, whose
stems are living wood', but I think these names are essentially trying to
describe the same thing. For this name we could perhaps even say
living_wood_mass_content_of_nitrogen (and make an alias for the carbon name so
that it follows the same pattern). What do you think?
5. leaf_mass_content_of_nitrogen (kg m-2)
' "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area.'
6. root_mass_content_of_nitrogen (kg m-2)
' "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area.'
7. miscellaneous_living_matter_mass_content_of_nitrogen (kg m-2)
' "Content" indicates a quantity per unit area. "Miscellaneous living matter"
means all those parts of living vegetation that are not leaf, wood, root or
other separately named components.'
This is by analogy with the existing name
miscellaneous_living_matter_carbon_content.
8. nitrogen_mass_flux_into_soil_from_vegetation_excluding_litter (kg m-2 s-1)
'In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per
unit area, called "flux density" in physics. "Vegetation" means any living
plants e.g. trees, shrubs, grass. "Litter" is dead plant material in or above
the soil.'
By analogy with the existing name
carbon_mass_flux_into_soil_from_vegetation_excluding_litter.
9. nitrogen_mass_flux_into_litter_from_vegetation (kg m-2 s-1)
'In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per
unit area, called "flux density" in physics. "Litter" is dead plant material in
or above the soil. "Vegetation" means any living plants e.g. trees, shrubs,
grass.
10. nitrogen_mass_flux_into_soil_from_litter (kg m-2 s-1)
'In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per
unit area, called "flux density" in physics. "Litter" is dead plant material in
or above the soil.'
11.
tendency_of_soil_mass_content_of_inorganic_nitrogen_expressed_as_nitrogen_due_to_fixation
(kg m-2 s-1)
'The phrase "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time.
"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 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. "Inorganic nitrogen" describes a family of chemical species
which, in soil, usually consists of nitrate and ammonium compounds which act as
nitrogen nutrients. 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
. "Nitrogen fixation" means the production of ammonia from nitrogen gas.
Organisms that fix nitrogen are termed "diazotrophs".'
Was I right to call this one 'inorganic_nitrogen'? I borrowed the last two
sentences of the definition from an ocean name. Do they accurately describe
land based nitrogen fixation? My understanding is that 'diazotrophs' is a
general term and not confined to ocean organisms but I'd be pleased if someone
could confirm that!
12. mass_flux_of_nitrogen_compounds_expressed_as_nitrogen_into_sea_from_rivers
(kg m-2 s-1)
'In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per
unit area, called "flux density" in physics. 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. "Nitrogen compounds" summarizes all chemical species
containing nitrogen atoms. The list of individual species that are included in
this quantity 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.'
Are the nitrogen species and its definition the right ones?
13.
mass_flux_of_nox_expressed_as_nitrogen_out_of_vegetation_and_litter_and_soil
(kg m-2 s-1)
'In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per
unit area, called "flux density" in physics. 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. "Nox" means a combination of two radical species containing
nitrogen and oxygen NO+NO2. "Vegetation" means any living plants e.g. trees,
shrubs, grass. "Litter" is dead plant material in or above the soil.'
14.
mass_flux_of_nitrogen_compounds_expressed_as_nitrogen_out_of_vegetation_and_litter_and_soil
(kg m-2 s-1)
'In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per
unit area, called "flux density" in physics. 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. "Nitrogen compounds" summarizes all chemical species
containing nitrogen atoms. The list of individual species that are included in
this quantity 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. "Vegetation" means any living plants
e.g. trees, shrubs, grass. "Litter" is dead plant material in or above the
soil.'
Are the nitrogen species and its definition the right ones?
15.
tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_reactive_nitrogen_expressed_as_nitrogen_due_to_deposition
(kg m-2 s-1)
'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. 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. 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. "Deposition" is the sum of wet and dry deposition.'
We don't currently have any definition for 'reactive_nitrogen'. Please could
you provide one?
16.
tendency_of_soil_mass_content_of_inorganic_nitrogen_expressed_as_nitrogen_due_to_fertilization
(kg m-2 s-1)
'The phrase "tendency_of_X" means derivative of X with respect to time.
"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 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. "Inorganic nitrogen" describes a family of chemical species
which, in soil, usually consists of nitrate and ammonium compounds which act as
nitrogen nutrients. "Fertilization" means the addition of artificial
fertilizers and animal manure to soil for the purpose of increasing plant
nutrient concentrations.'
Is it right to say 'inorganic_nitrogen' for this one? Is the definition of
'fertilization' okay?
17.
surface_upward_mass_flux_of_nitrogen_compounds_expressed_as_nitrogen_due_to_emission_from_fires
(kg m-2 s-1)
'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.
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. "Nitrogen compounds"
summarizes all chemical species containing nitrogen atoms. Usually, particle
bound and gaseous nitrogen compounds, such as atomic nitrogen (N), nitrogen
monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid
(HNO3), nitrate (NO3-), peroxynitric acid (HNO4), ammonia (NH3), ammonium
(NH4+), bromine nitrate (BrONO2), chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) and organic
nitrates (most notably p
eroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes referred to as PAN, (CH3COO2NO2)) are included.
The list of individual species that are included in this quantity 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 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. the surface of the earth).
"Emission" is a process entirely distinct from "re-emission" which is used in
some standard names. The term "fires" means all biomass fires, whether
naturally occurring or ignited by humans.'
Are the nitrogen species and its definition the right ones?
18.
surface_upward_mass_flux_of_nitrogen_compounds_expressed_as_nitrogen_due_to_all_land_processes_excluding_fires
(kg m-2 s-1)
' "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.
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. "Nitrogen compounds"
summarizes all chemical species containing nitrogen atoms. Usually, particle
bound and gaseous nitrogen compounds, such as atomic nitrogen (N), nitrogen
monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid
(HNO3), nitrate (NO3-), peroxynitric acid (HNO4), ammonia (NH3), ammonium
(NH4+), bromine nitrate (BrONO2), chlorine nitrate (ClONO2) and organic
nitrates (most notably peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes referred to as PAN,
(CH3COO2NO2)) are inc
luded. The list of individual species that are included in this quantity 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 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.
"All land processes" means plant and soil respiration, photosynthesis, animal
grazing, crop harvesting, natural fires and anthropogenic land use change.'
This one is by analogy with the existing names
surface_net_downward_mass_flux_of_carbon_dioxide_expressed_as_carbon_due_to_all_land_processes
and
surface_net_downward_mass_flux_of_carbon_dioxide_expressed_as_carbon_due_to_all_land_processes_excluding_anthropogenic_land_use_change.
Are the nitrogen species and its definition the right ones?
19.
tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_nitrogen_compounds_expressed_as_nitrogen_due_to_anthropogenic_land_use_or_land_cover_change
(kg m-2 s-1)
'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. 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. 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. "Nitrogen compounds" summarizes all chemical species containing
nitrogen atoms. Usually, particle bound and gaseous nitrogen compounds, such as
atom
ic nitrogen (N), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), dinitrogen
pentoxide (N2O5), nitric acid (HNO3), nitrate (NO3-), peroxynitric acid (HNO4),
ammonia (NH3), ammonium (NH4+), bromine nitrate (BrONO2), chlorine nitrate
(ClONO2) and organic nitrates (most notably peroxyacetyl nitrate, sometimes
referred to as PAN, (CH3COO2NO2)) are included. The list of individual species
that are included in this quantity 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 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. "Anthropogenic" means influenced, caused, or
created by human activity. "Anthropogenic land use change" means human changes
to land, excluding forest regrowth. It includes fires ignited b
y humans for the purpose of land use change and the processes of eventual
disposal and decomposition of wood products such as paper, cardboard, furniture
and timber for construction.'
Are the nitrogen species and its definition the right ones?
20.
nitrogen_mass_flux_into_forestry_and_agricultural_products_due_to_anthropogenic_land_use_or_land_cover_change
(kg m-2 s-1)
'In accordance with common usage in geophysical disciplines, "flux" implies per
unit area, called "flux density" in physics. Examples of "forestry and
agricultural products" are paper, cardboard, furniture, timber for
construction, biofuels and food for both humans and livestock. Models that
simulate land use changes have one or more pools of nitrogen that represent
these products in order to conserve nitrogen and allow its eventual release
into the atmosphere, for example, when the products decompose in landfill
sites. "Anthropogenic" means influenced, caused, or created by human activity.
"Anthropogenic land use change" means human changes to land, excluding forest
regrowth. It includes fires ignited by humans for the purpose of land use
change and the processes of eventual disposal and decomposition of wood
products such as paper, cardboard, furniture and timber for construction.'
21. surface_upward_mass_flux_of_carbon_due_to_plant_respiration_in_wood (kg m-2
s-1)
' "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.
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. Plant respiration is
the sum of respiration by parts of plants both above and below the soil. Plants
which photosynthesise are autotrophs i.e. "producers" of the biomass which they
respire from inorganic precursors using sunlight for energy.'
As for proposal (4), 'wood' means living wood. (We should adopt consistent
terminology for both). There are existing names for plant respiration -
'plants' is currently the term used in standard names for 'autotrophs'.
22. surface_upward_mass_flux_of_carbon_due_to_plant_respiration_in_leaves (kg
m-2 s-1)
' "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.
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. Plant respiration is
the sum of respiration by parts of plants both above and below the soil. Plants
which photosynthesise are autotrophs i.e. "producers" of the biomass which they
respire from inorganic precursors using sunlight for energy.'
23. surface_upward_mass_flux_of_carbon_due_to_plant_respiration_in_roots (kg
m-2 s-1)
' "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.
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. Plant respiration is
the sum of respiration by parts of plants both above and below the soil. Plants
which photosynthesise are autotrophs i.e. "producers" of the biomass which they
respire from inorganic precursors using sunlight for energy.'
24.
net_primary_productivity_of_biomass_expressed_as_carbon_accumulated_in_miscellaneous_living_matter
(kg m-2 s-1)
' "Miscellaneous living matter" means all those parts of living vegetation that
are not leaf, wood, root or other separately named components. 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. "Production of carbon" means the production
of biomass expressed as the mass of carbon which it contains. Net primary
production is the excess of gross primary production (rate of synthesis of
biomass from inorganic precursors) by autotrophs ("producers"), for example,
photosynthesis in plants or phytoplankton, over the rate at which the
autotrophs themselves respire some of this biomass. "Productivity" means
production per unit area.'
25.
surface_upward_mass_flux_of_carbon_due_to_heterotrophic_respiration_in_litter
(kg m-2 s-1)
' "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.
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. "Litter" is dead
plant material in or above the soil. 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.'
We have one existing name for 'heterotrophic_respiration'.
26. surface_upward_mass_flux_of_carbon_due_to_heterotrophic_respiration_in_soil
(kg m-2 s-1)
' "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.
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. 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.'
27. soil_pool_carbon_decay_rate (kg m-2 s-1)
' "Soil carbon" is the organic matter present in soil quantified by the mass of
carbon it contains. Soil carbon is returned to the atmosphere as the organic
matter decays. The decay process takes varying amounts of time depending on the
composition of the organic matter, the temperature and the availability of
moisture. A carbon "soil pool" means the carbon contained in organic matter
which has a characteristic period over which it decays and releases carbon into
the atmosphere.'
This is a new quantity, although we do have some existing names that refer to
soil_pools. I guessed the unit from the quantity - is it correct?
28. mass|mole_concentration_of_carbon_dioxide_passive_tracer_in_air
What are the units of this quantity? Knowing the unit will allow us to decide
if this should be a mass or a mole concentration (or something else). I wasn't
really sure of the purpose of this name - by using carbon dioxide as a tracer I
assume that means it is conserved by being treated as chemically inert. Can you
give me some more details about this one please?
Best wishes,
Alison
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