4.5 CCSM Data Retention

The CCSM data retention guidelines attempt to strike a balance between the
scientific need to retain data from old CCSM simulations with the growing
cost of doing so in a resource limited environment. Unlike observational
data, model simulation data often becomes less valuable with time as better
models at higher resolutions are developed. Still, scientific analysis of
benchmark CCSM control and simulations runs continues years to decades after
the data was generated. Accordingly, data from benchmark CCSM control and
simulations runs must be preserved for these time periods to allow
extraction of the maximum scientific content.
Recommendation:
The CDMG should develop a data retention policy for CCSM data.
Possible Supporting Policy:

• Data from CCSM Control and CCSM Experiment Simulation runs (see appendix A.a and A.b) made at NCAR will be retained for a period of 10 years.
• Retention periods for data from CCSM Validation runs (see appendix A.c) are left to the discretion of the PI and the working group.
• Retention periods for CCSM test runs (appendix A.d) are:
  • 10 years for major public release testing
  • 5 years for minor release testing
  • 1 year for all other testing runs.
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