Model data management

Details regarding raw data, model code and model output created as a result of a NERC grant should be included in the data management plan (DMP). 

Raw data

Raw data (data generated by a grant for input to a model) of long-term value should be submitted to NGDC. The NERC data value checklist is a resource that assists with identifying whether data is of long-term value and should therefore be archived. 

Model code 

The NERC EDS recommend storing code in GitHub for long-term preservation. The tagged GitHub instance should be published with a DOI using Zenodo and referenced in any publications based on the code or corresponding model outputs. All the model metadata, including forcing and configuration parameters and the source of any large forcing data fields, should also be placed into GitHub.  

Metadata, with links to the GitHub records, can be provided to NGDC as a ‘no file upload’ via the data deposit application or, if related data is being uploaded, links to model code can be included in the metadata. 

Output 

NGDC can archive and publish high-volume datasets, including model outputs, that are re-useable and of long-term value to the wider community. Model data submissions should be the output of exemplar simulation runs that solve a particular research or experimental need for a particular set of physical circumstances. The outcomes generated by the simulation(s) should be of a publishable quality. 

NGDC will not take output from simulations carried out as part of model development work or from test runs carried out to identify good parameterisations to use in a future exemplar run. The NERC data centres do not tend to archive high-volume outputs that are easily reproducible by an average end user.  

All outputs will need to be accompanied by adequate metadata and a comprehensive abstract for the dataset. Any documentation you may have that relates to the simulations being submitted is also of use and should be supplied wherever possible. This would include journal references, if they are available. 

Finally, a description of the simulations in non-technical language must be provided so that the simulation set-up conditions can be made available to end users of differing technical experience. The description must provide enough detail so that users would have the confidence to use your text as a source of information on the model simulations. 

If you have any queries, please contact NGDC (ngdc@bgs.ac.uk).

• Further information: NERC EDS model data management