Standard variables¶

The same physical quantity has different variable names and units in different datasets — total precipitation is tp in ERA5, PRECTOT in MERRA-2 and prate in the NCEP reanalyses. This table groups the variables listed on this site by CF standard name (the metadata convention for climate data in netCDF). Find a variable on Compare datasets uses this list.

Click a standard variable to list every dataset that has it.
Use Save as Excel above each table to download it.
Datasets grouped under the same standard variable can still differ in units and time convention (instantaneous, mean, accumulated) — check the variables section of each dataset page.
Full list of CF standard names: CF Standard Name Table

Atmosphere — near surface¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
2 m air temperature	`air_temperature (2 m)`	27	ERA5 `2t` · JRA-3Q `tmp2m` · MERRA-2 `T2M` · NCEP–DOE R2 `air` · CORe `TMP` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `air` · JRA-55 `tmp` · ERA-Interim `2t` · MERRA `T2M` · JRA-25 `TMPsfc` · ERA-40 `2t` · ERA-15 `2T` · CARRA2 `2t` · CARRA `2t` · 20CR (v3) `air` · JRA-55C `tmp` · ERA-20C `2t` · CERA-20C `2t` · ERA5-Land `2t` · APHRODITE (file) · Berkeley Earth `climatology` · CRU TS v4.10 `tmp` · JRA55-do `tas` · GLDAS-2 `Tair_f_inst` · FLDAS `Tair_f_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Tair` · AIRS V7 `SurfAirTemp_A`, `SurfAirTemp_D`
Maximum / minimum temperature	`air_temperature (maximum` / `minimum)`	6	CFSR / CFSv2 `TMAX`, `TMIN` · CORe `TMP` · CARRA2 `mx2t`, `mn2t` · CARRA `mx2t`, `mn2t` · CRU TS v4.10 `tmx`, `tmn`, `dtr` · TerraClimate `tmax`, `tmin`
Surface temperature anomaly (observation-based)	`surface_temperature_anomaly`	3	HadCRUT5 `tas_mean`, `Anomaly (deg C)` · GISTEMP v4 `tempanomaly` · Berkeley Earth `temperature`
Skin / surface temperature	`surface_temperature`	15	MERRA-2 `TS` · CORe `TMP` · ERA-Interim `skt` · ERA-15 `SKT` · CARRA2 `skt` · CARRA `skt` · ERA5-Land `skt` · GLDAS-2 `AvgSurfT_inst`, `AvgSurfT_tavg` · FLDAS `RadT_tavg`, `RadT_tavg_max`, `RadT_tavg_min` · NLDAS-2 `AvgSurfT` · SMAP (L3·L4) `surface_temp` · MODIS LST (MOD11·MOD21) `LST_Day_1km`, `LST_Night_1km`, `LST_Day_CMG`, `LST_Night_CMG` · VIIRS LST (VNP21) `LST_1KM`, `LST_Day_1KM`, `LST_Night_1KM`, `LST_Day` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) `LST` · AIRS V7 `SurfSkinTemp_A`, `SurfSkinTemp_D`, `TSurfStd`, `TSurfStd_QC`
Dew point temperature	`dew_point_temperature`	10	ERA5 `2d` · JRA-3Q `depr` · MERRA-2 `T2MDEW` · CFSR / CFSv2 `DPT` · JRA-55 `depr` · ERA-Interim `2d` · ERA-40 `2d` · ERA-15 `2D` · ERA-20C `2d` · ERA5-Land `2d`
Relative humidity	`relative_humidity`	18	ERA5 `r` · JRA-3Q `rh`, `rh2m` · MERRA-2 `RH` · NCEP–DOE R2 `rhum` · CFSR / CFSv2 `RH` · CORe `RH` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `rhum` · JRA-55 `rh` · ERA-Interim `r` · MERRA `RH` · ERA-40 `r` · ERA-15 `R` · CARRA2 `2r`, `r`, `t` · CARRA `2r`, `r`, `relative_humidity` · JRA-55C `rh` · ERA-20C `r` · AIRS V7 `RelHum_A`, `RelHum_D` · Aura MLS `L2gpValue`
Specific humidity	`specific_humidity`	26	ERA5 `q` · JRA-3Q `spfh`, `spfh2m` · MERRA-2 `QV2M`, `QV` · NCEP–DOE R2 `shum` · CFSR / CFSv2 `SPFH` · CORe `SPFH` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `shum` · JRA-55 `spfh` · ERA-Interim `q` · MERRA `QV2M`, `QV` · JRA-25 `SPFHprs`, `SPFHsfc` · ERA-40 `q` · CARRA2 `2sh`, `t`, `q` · CARRA `2sh` · 20CR (v3) `shum` · JRA-55C `spfh` · ERA-20C `q` · CRU TS v4.10 `vap` · JRA55-do `huss` · GLDAS-2 `Qair_f_inst` · FLDAS `Qair_f_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Qair` · TerraClimate `vap`, `vpd` · AIRS V7 `H2O_MMR_A`, `H2O_MMR_D`, `H2OMMRLevStd` · Aura MLS `L2gpValue`, `value`, `minimum`, `maximum` · GNSS-RO (COSMIC-2·ROM SAF) `Vp`
Mean sea level pressure	`air_pressure_at_mean_sea_level`	19	ERA5 `msl` · JRA-3Q `prmsl` · MERRA-2 `SLP` · NCEP–DOE R2 `mslp` · CFSR / CFSv2 `PRMSL` · CORe `PRES`, `MSLET` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `slp` · JRA-55 `prmsl` · ERA-Interim `msl` · MERRA `SLP` · JRA-25 `PRMSLmsl` · ERA-40 `msl` · ERA-15 `MSL` · CARRA2 `msl` · CARRA `msl` · 20CR (v3) `prmsl` · JRA-55C `prmsl` · ERA-20C `msl` · JRA55-do `psl`
Surface pressure	`surface_air_pressure`	17	JRA-3Q `pres` · MERRA-2 `PS` · NCEP–DOE R2 `pres` · CFSR / CFSv2 `PRES` · CORe `PRES` · JRA-55 `pres` · ERA-Interim `sp` · MERRA `PS` · CARRA2 `sp` · CARRA `sp` · JRA-55C `pres` · ERA-20C `sp` · ERA5-Land `sp` · GLDAS-2 `Psurf_f_inst` · FLDAS `Psurf_f_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `PSurf` · OCO-2 `psurf`
10 m wind	`eastward_wind` / `northward_wind (10 m)`	27	ERA5 `10u`, `10v`, `10fg` · JRA-3Q `ugrd10m`, `vgrd10m` · MERRA-2 `U10M`, `V10M` · NCEP–DOE R2 `uwnd` · CORe `UGRD`, `VGRD` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `uwnd` · JRA-55 `ugrd`, `vgrd` · ERA-Interim `10u`, `10v` · MERRA `U10M`, `V10M` · JRA-25 `UGRDsfc`, `VGRDsfc` · ERA-40 `10u`, `10v` · ERA-15 `10U`, `10V` · CARRA2 `10u`, `10v`, `10si`, `10wdir` · CARRA `10u`, `10v`, `10si`, `10wdir` · 20CR (v3) `uwnd` · JRA-55C `ugrd`, `vgrd` · ERA-20C `10u`, `10v` · ERA5-Land `u10`, `v10` · JRA55-do `uas`, `vas` · GLDAS-2 `Wind_f_inst` · FLDAS `Wind_f_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Wind_E`, `Wind_N` · RSS SSM/I·SSMIS `wspd_mf` · CCMP V3.1 `uwnd`, `vwnd`, `ws`, `u` · Metop ASCAT ocean winds `wind_speed`, `wind_dir`, `eastward_wind`, `northward_wind` · SMAP sea surface salinity (RSS and JPL) `smap_spd`, `smap_high_spd` · SWOT KaRIn (L2 LR SSH · L3) `wind_speed_karin_2`
Cloud cover	`cloud_area_fraction`	25	ERA5 `tcc` · JRA-3Q `tcdc`, `lcdc`, `mcdc`, `hcdc` · CFSR / CFSv2 `TCDC` · CORe `TCDC` · JRA-55 `tcdc`, `lcdc`, `mcdc`, `hcdc` · ERA-Interim `tcc` · JRA-25 `TCDCcol` · ERA-40 `tcc` · CARRA2 `tcc` · CARRA `tcc` · 20CR (v3) `tcdc` · JRA-55C `tcdc` · ERA-20C `tcc` · CRU TS v4.10 `cld` · CERES EBAF Ed4.2.1 `cldarea_total_daynight_mon` · CLARA-A3 `cfc` · PATMOS-x `cloud_fraction` · CERES SYN1deg `obs_cld_amount` · MODIS Cloud (MOD06·MOD35) `Cloud_Fraction`, `Cloud_Optical_Thickness_1621_PCL`, `Cloud_Fraction_Mean`, `Cloud_Fraction_Day_Mean` · VIIRS Cloud (CLDPROP·CLDMSK) `Mean`, `Pixel_Counts` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) `CF`, `CA` · ISCCP-H `cldamt`, `cldamt_ir`, `pc`, `tc` · AIRS V7 `CloudFrc_A`, `CloudFrc_D` · TROPOMI `cloud_fraction` · GEMS (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `EffectiveCloudFraction`, `CloudRadianceFraction`, `CloudCentroidPressure`
Boundary layer height	`atmosphere_boundary_layer_thickness`	5	ERA5 `blh` · MERRA-2 `PBLH` · CFSR / CFSv2 `HPBL` · ERA-Interim `blh` · ERA-20C `blh`

Atmosphere — precipitation and water cycle¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Precipitation (total)	`precipitation_flux` / `precipitation_amount`	31	ERA5 `tp` · JRA-3Q `tprate` · MERRA-2 `PRECTOT`, `PRECTOTCORR` · NCEP–DOE R2 `prate` · CFSR / CFSv2 `PRATE`, `APCP` · CORe `PRATE` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `prate` · JRA-55 `tprat` · ERA-Interim `tp` · MERRA `PRECTOT` · CARRA2 `tp` · CARRA `tp` · 20CR (v3) `apcp` · JRA-55C `tprat` · ERA-20C `tp` · CERA-20C `tp` · ERA5-Land `tp` · GPCP V3.3 `sat_gauge_precip`, `satellite_precip`, `gauge_precip`, `precip` · GPM IMERG V07 `precipitation`, `precipitationUncal`, `MWprecipitation`, `IRprecipitation` · APHRODITE (file) · CRU TS v4.10 `pre` · GLDAS-2 `Rainf_f_tavg` · FLDAS `Rainf_f_tavg`, `Rainf_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Rainf` · TerraClimate `ppt` · GSMaP `hourlyPrecipRate`, `hourlyPrecipRateGC`, `monthlyPrecipRate`, `monthlyPrecipRateGC` · CMORPH CDR `cmorph` · PERSIANN-CDR `precipitation` · CHIRPS `precipitation` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) (file) · RSS SSM/I·SSMIS `rain`
Convective / large-scale precipitation, precipitation type	`convective_precipitation_flux` / `stratiform_precipitation_flux`	14	JRA-3Q `cprat`, `lsprate` · CORe `CPRAT` · JRA-55 `cprat`, `lprat` · JRA-25 `CPRATsfc`, `LPRATsfc` · ERA-40 `lsp`, `cp` · CARRA2 `tirf` · CARRA `tirf` · JRA-55C `cprat`, `lprat` · GPCP V3.3 `probability_liquid_phase` · GPM IMERG V07 `probabilityLiquidPrecipitation` · JRA55-do `prra` · GLDAS-2 `Rainf_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `CRainf_frac`, `Rainf` · GSMaP `snowProbability`
Snowfall	`snowfall_flux`	10	JRA-3Q `tsrwe` · JRA-55 `srweq` · CARRA2 `titspf` · CARRA `titspf` · CERA-20C `sf` · ERA5-Land `sf` · JRA55-do `prsn` · GLDAS-2 `Snowf_tavg` · FLDAS `Snowf_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Snowf`
Precipitable water (total column water vapour)	`atmosphere_mass_content_of_water_vapor`	17	ERA5 `tcwv` · JRA-3Q `tciwv` · MERRA-2 `TQV` · NCEP–DOE R2 `pr_wtr` · CFSR / CFSv2 `PWAT` · CORe `PWAT` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `pr_wtr` · JRA-55 `pwat` · ERA-Interim `tcwv` · MERRA `TQV` · JRA-25 `PWATcol` · ERA-40 `tcwv` · CARRA2 `tciwv` · ERA-20C `tcwv` · PATMOS-x `hirsavhrr_total_precipitable_water` · AIRS V7 `TotH2OVap_A`, `TotH2OVap_D` · RSS SSM/I·SSMIS `vapor`
Evaporation	`water_evaporation_flux`	18	ERA5 `e` · JRA-3Q `evarate` · JRA-55 `evp` · ERA-40 `e` · CARRA2 `eva` · JRA-55C `evp` · ERA-20C `e` · CERA-20C `e` · ERA5-Land `e`, `pev`, `evabs`, `evaow` · CRU TS v4.10 `pet` · GLDAS-2 `PotEvap_tavg`, `ECanop_tavg`, `Tveg_tavg`, `ESoil_tavg` · FLDAS `Evap_tavg`, `Rainf_f_tavg`, `Tair_f_tavg`, `SoilMoi*_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `PotEvap`, `ECanop`, `TVeg`, `ESoil` · TerraClimate `pet`, `aet` · SMAP (L3·L4) `land_evapotranspiration_flux` · GLEAM4 `E`, `Et`, `Ei`, `Eb` · MODIS ET (MOD16) `ET_500m`, `PET_500m` · GLASS (file)
Runoff	`runoff_flux`	11	CORe `SSRUN` · JRA-55 `rof` · CARRA2 `surfro` · CERA-20C `ro` · ERA5-Land `ro`, `sro`, `ssro` · JRA55-do `friver`, `licalvf` · GLDAS-2 `Qs_acc`, `Qsb_acc`, `Qs_tavg`, `Qsb_tavg` · FLDAS `Qs_tavg`, `Qsb_tavg`, `Qtotal_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Qs`, `Qsb`, `Streamflow`, `Evap` · TerraClimate `q` · SMAP (L3·L4) `overland_runoff_flux`, `baseflow_flux`
Snow depth / snow water equivalent	`surface_snow_thickness` / `surface_snow_amount`	21	ERA5 `sd` · JRA-3Q `weasd`, `snod` · CFSR / CFSv2 `WEASD`, `SNOD` · CORe `SNOD`, `WEASD` · JRA-55 `snwe` · ERA-Interim `sd` · JRA-25 `SNWEsfc` · ERA-40 `sd` · ERA-15 `SD` · CARRA2 `sd`, `sde` · CARRA `sd` · 20CR (v3) `weasd` · ERA-20C `sd` · ERA5-Land `sde`, `sd`, `rsn`, `smlt` · GLDAS-2 `Qsm_acc`, `SWE_inst`, `SnowDepth_inst`, `SnowT_tavg` · FLDAS `SWE_inst`, `SnowDepth_inst`, `SnowCover_inst`, `Qsm_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Qf`, `ECanop`, `TVeg`, `ESoil` · TerraClimate `swe` · SMAP (L3·L4) `snow_mass`, `snow_depth` · MODIS BRDF/Albedo (MCD43) `Snow_BRDF_Albedo` · ESA CCI Snow `swe`
Soil moisture	`mass_content_of_water_in_soil_layer`	17	ERA5 `swvl1` · NCEP–DOE R2 `soilw` · CFSR / CFSv2 `SOILW` · JRA-55 `soilw` · ERA-Interim `swvl1` · JRA-25 `SOILWhbl` · ERA-40 `swvl1` · ERA-15 `SWL1` · ERA-20C `swvl1` · ERA5-Land `swvl1`, `swvl4` · GLDAS-2 `SoilMoi0_10cm_inst`, `SoilMoi10_40cm_inst`, `SoilMoi40_100cm_inst`, `SoilMoi100_200cm_inst` · FLDAS `SoilMoi00_10cm_tavg`, `SoilMoi10_40cm_tavg`, `SoilMoi40_100cm_tavg`, `SoilMoi100_200cm_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `SoilM_0_10cm`, `SoilM_10_40cm`, `SoilM_40_100cm`, `SoilM_100_200cm` · TerraClimate `soil` · ESA CCI Soil Moisture `sm` · SMAP (L3·L4) `soil_moisture`, `soil_moisture_pm`, `sm_surface`, `sm_rootzone` · GLEAM4 `SMs`, `SMrz`
Soil temperature	`soil_temperature`	10	ERA5 `stl1` · ERA-Interim `stl1` · ERA-40 `stl1` · ERA-15 `STL1` · ERA-20C `stl1` · ERA5-Land `stl1`, `stl4` · GLDAS-2 `SoilTMP0_10cm_inst`, `SoilTMP10_40cm_inst`, `SoilTMP40_100cm_inst`, `SoilTMP100_200cm_inst` · FLDAS `SoilTemp00_10cm_tavg`, `SoilTemp10_40cm_tavg`, `SoilTemp40_100cm_tavg`, `SoilTemp100_200cm_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `SoilT_0_10cm`, `SoilT_10_40cm`, `SoilT_40_100cm`, `SoilT_100_200cm` · SMAP (L3·L4) `surface_temperature`, `soil_temp_layer1`

Atmosphere — upper air and dynamics¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Air temperature (pressure / model levels)	`air_temperature`	22	ERA5 `t` · JRA-3Q `tmp` · MERRA-2 `T` · NCEP–DOE R2 `air` · CFSR / CFSv2 `TMP`, `POT` · CORe `TMP` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `air` · JRA-55 `tmp` · ERA-Interim `t` · MERRA `T` · JRA-25 `TMPprs` · ERA-40 `t` · ERA-15 `T` · CARRA2 `t`, `r`, `q` · CARRA `t`, `temperature` · 20CR (v3) `air` · JRA-55C `tmp` · ERA-20C `t` · AIRS V7 `Temperature_A`, `Temperature_D`, `TAirStd` · Aura MLS `L2gpValue`, `value`, `minimum`, `maximum` · MSU/AMSU (RSS·UAH·STAR) `tcdr_MSU_AMSUA_ATMS_TLT`, `tcdr_MSU_AMSUA_ATMS_TMT`, `tcdr_MSU_AMSUA_ATMS_TUT`, `tcdr_MSU_AMSUA_ATMS_TLS` · GNSS-RO (COSMIC-2·ROM SAF) `Temp`
Wind (pressure / model levels)	`eastward_wind` / `northward_wind`	19	ERA5 `u`, `v` · JRA-3Q `ugrd`, `vgrd` · MERRA-2 `U`, `V` · NCEP–DOE R2 `uwnd`, `vwnd` · CFSR / CFSv2 `UGRD`, `VGRD` · CORe `UGRD`, `VGRD` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `uwnd`, `vwnd` · JRA-55 `ugrd`, `vgrd` · ERA-Interim `u`, `v` · MERRA `U`, `V` · JRA-25 `UGRDprs`, `VGRDprs` · ERA-40 `u`, `v` · ERA-15 `U`, `V` · CARRA2 `ws`, `wdir` · CARRA `u`, `v`, `wind_speed`, `wind_direction` · 20CR (v3) `uwnd`, `vwnd` · JRA-55C `ugrd`, `vgrd` · ERA-20C `u`, `v` · TerraClimate `ws`
Vertical velocity	`lagrangian_tendency_of_air_pressure (omega)` / `upward_air_velocity`	17	ERA5 `w` · JRA-3Q `vvel` · MERRA-2 `OMEGA500`, `OMEGA` · NCEP–DOE R2 `omega` · CFSR / CFSv2 `VVEL` · CORe `VVEL` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `omega` · JRA-55 `vvel` · ERA-Interim `w` · MERRA `OMEGA` · JRA-25 `VVELprs` · ERA-40 `w` · ERA-15 `W` · CARRA2 `wz` · CARRA `wz` · JRA-55C `vvel` · ERA-20C `w`
Geopotential height	`geopotential_height`	20	ERA5 `z` · JRA-3Q `hgt` · MERRA-2 `H500` · NCEP–DOE R2 `hgt` · CFSR / CFSv2 `HGT` · CORe `HGT` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `hgt` · JRA-55 `hgt` · ERA-Interim `z` · MERRA `H` · JRA-25 `HGTprs` · ERA-40 `z` · ERA-15 `Z` · CARRA2 `z` · CARRA `z` · 20CR (v3) `hgt` · JRA-55C `hgt` · ERA-20C `z` · AIRS V7 `GPHeight_A`, `GPHeight_D` · Aura MLS `L2gpValue`
Vorticity, divergence, stream function	`atmosphere_relative_vorticity` / `divergence_of_wind`	13	ERA5 `vo`, `d`, `pv` · JRA-3Q `relv`, `strm`, `vpot` · MERRA-2 `EPV` · CORe `ABSV`, `STRM`, `VPOT` · JRA-55 `relv`, `strm`, `vpot` · ERA-Interim `vo`, `d`, `pv` · JRA-25 `STRMprs`, `VPOTprs` · ERA-40 `vo`, `d`, `pv` · ERA-15 `VO`, `D` · CARRA2 `pv` · CARRA `pv` · JRA-55C `strm`, `vpot` · ERA-20C `vo`, `pv`
Convective available potential energy (CAPE)	`atmosphere_convective_available_potential_energy`	3	ERA5 `cape` · ERA-20C `cape` · NLDAS-2 `CAPE`
Cloud liquid water / ice content	`mass_fraction_of_cloud_liquid_water_in_air`	12	ERA5 `clwc`, `ciwc` · JRA-55 `cwat` · ERA-Interim `clwc`, `ciwc` · CARRA2 `clwc`, `ciwc` · CARRA `clwc`, `ciwc` · CLARA-A3 `lwp` · CERES SYN1deg `obs_cld_lwp`, `obs_cld_iwp` · MODIS Cloud (MOD06·MOD35) `Cloud_Water_Path`, `Cloud_Water_Path_Liquid_Mean`, `Cloud_Water_Path_Liquid_Mean_Mean` · VIIRS Cloud (CLDPROP·CLDMSK) `Cloud_Water_Path`, `Mean` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) (file) · ISCCP-H `wp` · RSS SSM/I·SSMIS `cloud`
Moisture transport / moisture flux divergence	`eastward_atmosphere_water_vapor_transport_across_unit_distance`	3	JRA-3Q `tuwv`, `tvwv` · JRA-55 `uwv`, `vwv` · CERA-20C `vimd`
Ozone	`mass_fraction_of_ozone_in_air` / `atmosphere_mass_content_of_ozone`	14	ERA5 `o3` · JRA-3Q `tozne` · MERRA-2 `TO3`, `O3` · CORe `O3MR` · JRA-55 `ozone` · ERA-Interim `o3` · ERA-40 `o3` · JRA-55C `ozone` · ERA-20C `o3` · AIRS V7 `TotO3_A`, `TotO3_D`, `O3VMRLevStd` · Aura MLS `L2gpValue`, `value`, `minimum`, `maximum` · Aura OMI `ColumnAmountO3` · TROPOMI `ozone_total_vertical_column`, `ozone_tropospheric_vertical_column`, `ozone_profile` · GEMS (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `ColumnAmountO3`
Aerosols	`atmosphere_optical_thickness_due_to_aerosol`	13	MERRA-2 `DUSMASS25`, `BCSMASS`, `SO4SMASS`, `DUEXTTAU` · CERES SYN1deg `init_match_aod55` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) (file) · MODIS Aerosol (MOD04·MOD08) `Optical_Depth_Land_And_Ocean`, `Image_Optical_Depth_Land_And_Ocean`, `AOD_550_Dark_Target_Deep_Blue_Combined`, `Deep_Blue_Aerosol_Optical_Depth_550_Land_Best_Estimate` · VIIRS Aerosol (AERDB·AERDT) `Aerosol_Optical_Thickness_550_Land_Ocean_Best_Estimate`, `Aerosol_Optical_Thickness_550_Land_Best_Estimate`, `Aerosol_Optical_Thickness_550_Ocean_Best_Estimate`, `Optical_Depth_Land_And_Ocean` · MISR `Aerosol_Optical_Depth`, `Aerosol_Optical_Depth_Uncertainty`, `Angstrom_Exponent_550_860nm`, `Absorption_Aerosol_Optical_Depth` · Aura OMI `UVAerosolIndex` · EarthCARE `particle_extinction_coefficient_355nm`, `particle_backscatter_coefficient_355nm`, `lidar_ratio_355nm`, `particle_linear_depol_ratio_355nm` · TROPOMI `aerosol_index_354_388`, `aerosol_index_340_380`, `aerosol_mid_height`, `aerosol_mid_pressure` · GEMS (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `FinalAerosolOpticalDepth`, `FinalAerosolSingleScattAlb`, `UVAerosolIndex`, `VISAerosolIndex` · CALIPSO `Extinction_Coefficient_532`, `Total_Backscatter_Coefficient_532`, `Particulate_Depolarization_Ratio_Profile_532`, `Column_Optical_Depth_Tropospheric_Aerosols_532` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `AOD` · GOCI (COMS) `aot_865`, `angstrom`

Atmosphere — radiation and heat fluxes¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Surface shortwave radiation	`surface_downwelling_shortwave_flux_in_air (and up` / `net)`	29	ERA5 `ssrd` · JRA-3Q `dswrf`, `dlwrf`, `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · CFSR / CFSv2 `DSWRF`, `DLWRF`, `USWRF`, `ULWRF` · CORe `DSWRF`, `DLWRF`, `USWRF`, `ULWRF` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `dswrf` · JRA-55 `dswrf`, `dlwrf`, `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · ERA-Interim `ssrd` · JRA-25 `DSWRFsfc`, `DLWRFsfc` · ERA-40 `ssrd`, `strd` · CARRA2 `ssrd`, `strd`, `ssr`, `str` · CARRA `ssrd` · 20CR (v3) `dswrf` · JRA-55C `dswrf`, `dlwrf`, `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · ERA-20C `ssrd` · CERA-20C `ssrd` · ERA5-Land `ssrd`, `strd`, `ssr`, `str` · CERES EBAF Ed4.2.1 (file) · SODA4 `sh`, `lh`, `sw`, `lw` · SODA3 `swflx`, `lw_heat`, `evap_heat`, `sens_heat` · TOPAZ4b `rsntds` · JRA55-do `rsds` · GLDAS-2 `Swnet_tavg`, `SWdown_f_tavg`, `LWdown_f_tavg` · FLDAS `Swnet_tavg`, `Lwnet_tavg`, `SWdown_f_tavg`, `LWdown_f_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `SWdown`, `SWnet`, `LWnet`, `LWdown` · TerraClimate `srad` · GLASS (file) · CLARA-A3 `SIS`, `SNS`, `SNL`, `SRB` · CERES SYN1deg `init_all_sfc_sw_dn`, `init_all_sfc_sw_up`, `init_clr_sfc_sw_dn`, `init_clr_sfc_lw_dn` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) `RAD`, `RSR`, `DSR`, `ASR`
Surface longwave radiation	`surface_downwelling_longwave_flux_in_air (and up` / `net)`	24	ERA5 `strd` · JRA-3Q `dswrf`, `dlwrf`, `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · CFSR / CFSv2 `DSWRF`, `DLWRF`, `USWRF`, `ULWRF` · CORe `DSWRF`, `DLWRF`, `USWRF`, `ULWRF` · JRA-55 `dswrf`, `dlwrf`, `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · ERA-Interim `strd` · JRA-25 `DSWRFsfc`, `DLWRFsfc`, `ULWRFtoa` · ERA-40 `ssrd`, `strd` · CARRA2 `ssrd`, `strd`, `ssr`, `str` · CARRA `strd` · JRA-55C `dswrf`, `dlwrf`, `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · ERA-20C `strd` · CERA-20C `strd` · ERA5-Land `ssrd`, `strd`, `ssr`, `str` · CERES EBAF Ed4.2.1 (file) · SODA4 `lw_heat`, `evap_heat`, `sens_heat`, `sh` · SODA3 `swflx`, `lw_heat`, `evap_heat`, `sens_heat` · JRA55-do `rlds` · GLDAS-2 `Lwnet_tavg`, `SWdown_f_tavg`, `LWdown_f_tavg` · FLDAS `Swnet_tavg`, `Lwnet_tavg`, `SWdown_f_tavg`, `LWdown_f_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `LWdown`, `SWnet`, `LWnet`, `SWdown` · CLARA-A3 `SDL`, `SNS`, `SNL`, `SRB` · CERES SYN1deg `init_all_sfc_lw_dn`, `init_all_sfc_lw_up`, `init_clr_sfc_sw_dn`, `init_clr_sfc_lw_dn` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) `ULR`, `DLR`
Top-of-atmosphere radiation (OLR etc.)	`toa_outgoing_longwave_flux` / `toa_net_downward_radiative_flux`	19	ERA5 `ttr` · JRA-3Q `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · NCEP–DOE R2 `ulwrf` · CORe `USWRF`, `ULWRF`, `DSWRF` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `ulwrf` · JRA-55 `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · ERA-Interim `ttr` · JRA-25 `ULWRFtoa` · ERA-40 `ttr` · CARRA2 `tsr`, `ttr` · JRA-55C `uswrf`, `ulwrf` · ERA-20C `ttr` · CERA-20C `ttr` · CERES EBAF Ed4.2.1 `solar_mon`, `toa_sw_all_mon`, `toa_lw_all_mon`, `toa_net_all_mon` · CLARA-A3 `SW_flux`, `LW_flux` · NOAA OLR `olr` · CERES SYN1deg `obs_all_toa_sw`, `obs_all_toa_lw`, `obs_all_toa_net`, `obs_clr_toa_sw` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) `OLR` · AIRS V7 `OLR_A`, `ClrOLR_A`
Latent heat flux	`surface_upward_latent_heat_flux`	25	ERA5 `slhf` · JRA-3Q `lhtfl`, `shtfl` · MERRA-2 `EFLUX` · NCEP–DOE R2 `lhtfl` · CFSR / CFSv2 `LHTFL`, `SHTFL` · CORe `LHTFL`, `SHTFL` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `lhtfl` · JRA-55 `lhtfl` · ERA-Interim `slhf` · MERRA `EFLUX` · JRA-25 `LHTFLsfc`, `SHTFLsfc` · ERA-40 `sshf`, `slhf` · CARRA2 `tislhef`, `tislhsf` · CARRA `slhf` · 20CR (v3) `lhtfl` · JRA-55C `lhtfl`, `shtfl` · ERA-20C `slhf` · CERA-20C `slhf` · ERA5-Land `sshf`, `slhf` · SODA4 `lw_heat`, `evap_heat`, `sens_heat`, `sh` · SODA3 `swflx`, `lw_heat`, `evap_heat`, `sens_heat` · GLDAS-2 `Qle_tavg`, `Qh_tavg` · FLDAS `Qle_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Qle`, `Qh` · MODIS ET (MOD16) `LE_500m`, `PLE_500m`
Sensible heat flux	`surface_upward_sensible_heat_flux`	24	ERA5 `sshf` · JRA-3Q `lhtfl`, `shtfl` · MERRA-2 `HFLUX` · NCEP–DOE R2 `shtfl` · CFSR / CFSv2 `LHTFL`, `SHTFL` · CORe `LHTFL`, `SHTFL` · NCEP/NCAR R1 `shtfl` · JRA-55 `shtfl` · ERA-Interim `sshf` · MERRA `HFLUX` · JRA-25 `LHTFLsfc`, `SHTFLsfc` · ERA-40 `sshf`, `slhf` · CARRA2 `sshf` · CARRA `sshf` · JRA-55C `lhtfl`, `shtfl` · ERA-20C `sshf` · CERA-20C `sshf` · ERA5-Land `sshf`, `slhf` · SODA4 `lw_heat`, `evap_heat`, `sens_heat`, `sh` · SODA3 `swflx`, `lw_heat`, `evap_heat`, `sens_heat` · GLDAS-2 `Qh_tavg`, `Qle_tavg` · FLDAS `Qh_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Qh`, `Qle` · GLEAM4 `H`

Ocean¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Sea surface temperature	`sea_surface_temperature`	26	ERA5 `sst` · JRA-3Q `wtmp` · ERA-Interim `sst` · JRA-25 `WTMPsfc` · ERA-40 `sst` · CARRA2 `sst` · CARRA `sst` · ERA-20C `sst` · CERA-20C `sst` · ORAS5 `sea_surface_temperature` · OISST v2.1 `sst`, `anom` · ERSST v6 `sst`, `ssta` · ERSST v5 `sst`, `ssta` · COBE-SST2 `sst` · COBE-SST3 (file) · HadISST `sst`, `C` · OSTIA `analysed_sst` · HadSST4 `tos` · ESA SST CCI CDR v3 `analysed_sst`, `sea_surface_temperature`, `sea_surface_temperature_depth` · JRA55-do `tos` · GIOMAS `otemp1` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) (file) · GHRSST MUR v4.1 `analysed_sst`, `sst_anomaly` · AVHRR Pathfinder SST v5.3 `sea_surface_temperature` · MODIS Ocean (color and SST) `sst`, `sst4` · VIIRS Ocean (color and SST) `sst`, `sst_triple`
Ocean temperature (with depth)	`sea_water_potential_temperature` / `sea_water_temperature`	9	GLORYS12 `thetao`, `bottomT` · ORAS5 `potential_temperature` · ECCO V4 `THETA`, `SALT` · SODA4 `temp` · SODA3 `temp` · NCEP GODAS `pottmp` · TOPAZ4b `thetao`, `bottomT` · EN4 `temperature`, `POTM_CORRECTED`, `TEMP` · WOA23 `t_an`
Salinity	`sea_water_salinity`	15	GLORYS12 `so` · ORAS5 `salinity`, `sea_surface_salinity` · ECCO V4 `SALT`, `THETA` · SODA4 `salt` · SODA3 `salt` · NCEP GODAS `salt` · TOPAZ4b `so` · EN4 `salinity`, `PSAL_CORRECTED` · WOA23 `s_an` · JRA55-do `sos` · GIOMAS `osali1` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `LSSS` · SMAP sea surface salinity (RSS and JPL) `sss_smap`, `sss_smap_40km`, `sss_smap_RF`, `smap_sss` · SMOS sea surface salinity (ESA, CATDS, BEC) `SSS_corr`, `SSS_uncorr`, `Mean_Sea_Surface_Salinity_1`, `Mean_Sea_Surface_Salinity_2` · ESA SSS CCI v5.5 `sss`
Sea surface height	`sea_surface_height_above_geoid` / `sea_surface_height_above_sea_level`	9	GLORYS12 `zos`, `mdt` · ORAS5 `sea_surface_height` · ECCO V4 `SSH`, `SSHIBC`, `SSHNOIBC`, `ETAN` · SODA4 `ssh` · SODA3 `ssh` · NCEP GODAS `sshg` · TOPAZ4b `zos` · DUACS `sla`, `adt` · SWOT KaRIn (L2 LR SSH · L3) `ssha_karin_2`, `ssh_karin_2`, `mean_dynamic_topography`, `ssha_filtered`
Ocean currents (horizontal velocity)	`eastward_sea_water_velocity` / `northward_sea_water_velocity`	11	GLORYS12 `uo`, `vo` · ORAS5 `zonal_velocity`, `meridional_velocity`, `rotated_zonal_velocity`, `rotated_meridional_velocity` · ECCO V4 `UVEL`, `VVEL`, `EVEL`, `NVEL` · SODA4 `u`, `v` · SODA3 `u`, `v`, `w` · NCEP GODAS `ucur`, `vcur` · TOPAZ4b `vxo`, `vyo` · DUACS `ugos`, `vgos`, `ugosa`, `vgosa` · GIOMAS `ouv1` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `SSC` · SWOT KaRIn (L2 LR SSH · L3) `ugos_filtered`, `vgos_filtered`, `ugosa_filtered`, `vgosa_filtered`
Mixed layer depth	`ocean_mixed_layer_thickness`	7	GLORYS12 `mlotst` · ORAS5 `mixed_layer_depth_0_01`, `mixed_layer_depth_0_03` · ECCO V4 `MXLDEPTH` · SODA4 `mlt`, `mlp`, `mls` · SODA3 `mlt`, `mlp`, `mls` · NCEP GODAS `dbss_obml` · TOPAZ4b `mlotst`
Ocean heat content, isotherm depth	`integral_wrt_depth_of_sea_water_potential_temperature_expressed_as_heat_content`	2	ORAS5 `depth_of_20_c_isotherm`, `ocean_heat_content_for_the_upper_300m`, `ocean_heat_content_for_the_upper_700m`, `ocean_heat_content_for_the_total_water_column` · NCEP GODAS `dbss_obil`
Wind stress, momentum flux	`surface_downward_eastward_stress`	13	JRA-3Q `uflx`, `vflx` · MERRA-2 `TAUX` · CFSR / CFSv2 `UFLX`, `VFLX` · CORe `UFLX`, `VFLX` · JRA-55 `uflx`, `vflx` · CERA-20C `ewss`, `nsss` · ORAS5 `zonal_wind_stress`, `meridional_wind_stress` · ECCO V4 `EXFtaux`, `oceTAUX` · SODA4 `taux`, `tauy` · SODA3 `taux`, `tauy` · NCEP GODAS `uflx`, `vflx` · TOPAZ4b `tauuo`, `tauvo` · Metop ASCAT ocean winds `wind_stress_magnitude`, `eastward_stress`, `northward_stress`, `stress_curl`
Net surface heat flux into the ocean	`surface_downward_heat_flux_in_sea_water`	6	ORAS5 `net_downward_heat_flux` · ECCO V4 `EXFqnet`, `oceQnet` · SODA4 `net_heating`, `hflux_total`, `bheat` · SODA3 `hflux_total`, `net_heating` · NCEP GODAS `thflx` · TOPAZ4b `hfds`
Freshwater / salt flux	`water_flux_into_sea_water`	5	ORAS5 `net_upward_water_flux` · ECCO V4 `EXFempmr`, `oceFWflx` · SODA4 `pme_river` · SODA3 `pme_river` · NCEP GODAS `sltfl`
Ocean waves	`sea_surface_wave_significant_height`	5	ERA5 `swh`, `mwd`, `mwp`, `pp1d` · ERA-Interim `swh`, `mwd`, `mwp` · ERA-40 `swh`, `mwd`, `mwp` · SWOT KaRIn (L2 LR SSH · L3) `swh_karin`, `swh_model`, `mean_wave_direction`, `mean_wave_period_t02` · ESA Sea State CCI v4 `swh_denoised`, `swh_adjusted`, `swh`, `era5_swh`
Oxygen and nutrients	`mole_concentration_of_dissolved_molecular_oxygen_in_sea_water`	1	WOA23 `o_an`, `O_an`, `A_an`, `n_an`
Chlorophyll-a concentration	`mass_concentration_of_chlorophyll_a_in_sea_water`	7	MODIS Ocean (color and SST) `chlor_a` · VIIRS Ocean (color and SST) `chlor_a` · PACE OCI Ocean Color `chlor_a` · ESA OC-CCI v6.0 `chlor_a` · Copernicus-GlobColour `CHL` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `Chl` · GOCI (COMS) `chlor_a`, `chl_ocx`
Remote sensing reflectance (Rrs)	`surface_ratio_of_upwelling_radiance_emerging_from_sea_water_to_downwelling_radiative_flux_in_air`	7	MODIS Ocean (color and SST) `Rrs_412`, `Rrs_443`, `Rrs_469`, `Rrs_488` · VIIRS Ocean (color and SST) `Rrs_410`, `Rrs_443`, `Rrs_486`, `Rrs_551` · PACE OCI Ocean Color `Rrs` · ESA OC-CCI v6.0 `Rrs_412`, `Rrs_443`, `Rrs_490`, `Rrs_510` · Copernicus-GlobColour `RRS412`, `RRS443`, `RRS490`, `RRS555` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `AC` · GOCI (COMS) `Rrs`
Diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) / water clarity	`volume_attenuation_coefficient_of_downwelling_radiative_flux_in_sea_water`	7	MODIS Ocean (color and SST) `Kd_490` · VIIRS Ocean (color and SST) `Kd_490` · PACE OCI Ocean Color `Kd` · ESA OC-CCI v6.0 `kd_490` · Copernicus-GlobColour `KD490`, `ZSD` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `Kd`, `Zsd` · GOCI (COMS) `Kd_490`
Absorption and backscattering coefficients (IOPs)	`volume_absorption_coefficient_of_radiative_flux_in_sea_water`	6	MODIS Ocean (color and SST) `a_412`, `a_678`, `aph_443`, `adg_443` · VIIRS Ocean (color and SST) `a_411`, `a_445`, `a_489`, `a_556` · PACE OCI Ocean Color `a_400`, `a_701`, `bb_400`, `bb_701` · ESA OC-CCI v6.0 `aph_412`, `aph_665`, `adg_412`, `adg_665` · Copernicus-GlobColour `BBP`, `CDM` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `IOP`, `CDOM`
Particulate carbon and suspended matter	`mass_concentration_of_particulate_organic_matter_expressed_as_carbon_in_sea_water`	6	MODIS Ocean (color and SST) `poc`, `pic` · VIIRS Ocean (color and SST) `poc`, `pic` · PACE OCI Ocean Color `carbon_phyto`, `poc`, `pic` · Copernicus-GlobColour `SPM` · GOCI-II (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `TSS` · GOCI (COMS) `poc`
Photosynthetically available radiation at the sea surface (PAR)	`surface_downwelling_photosynthetic_radiative_flux_in_air`	3	MODIS Ocean (color and SST) `par`, `ipar` · VIIRS Ocean (color and SST) `par` · PACE OCI Ocean Color `par_day_scalar_below`, `par_day_planar_above`, `par_day_planar_below`, `ipar_planar_above`
Ocean primary production	`net_primary_productivity_of_biomass_expressed_as_carbon`	2	PACE OCI Ocean Color `npp_cafe` · Copernicus-GlobColour `PP`
Phytoplankton functional types and size classes	`-`	2	PACE OCI Ocean Color `prococcus_moana`, `syncoccus_moana`, `picoeuk_moana` · Copernicus-GlobColour `DIATO`, `DINO`, `GREEN`, `HAPTO`

Sea ice¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Sea ice concentration	`sea_ice_area_fraction`	37	ERA5 `ci` · JRA-3Q `icec` · MERRA-2 `FRSEAICE` · CFSR / CFSv2 `ICEC` · CORe `ICEC` · ERA-Interim `ci` · ERA-40 `ci` · CARRA2 `ci` · CARRA `ci` · ERA-20C `ci` · GLORYS12 `siconc` · ORAS5 `sea_ice_concentration` · ECCO V4 `SIarea`, `SIheff`, `SIhsnow` · SODA4 `cn` · SODA3 `cn1`, `cn5` · TOPAZ4b `siconc` · OISST v2.1 `ice` · COBE-SST2 `icec` · COBE-SST3 (file) · HadISST `sic`, `1` · OSTIA `sea_ice_fraction` · ESA SST CCI CDR v3 `sea_ice_fraction` · JRA55-do `siconc`, `siconca` · PIOMAS `area`, `aiday` · GIOMAS `area`, `aiday` · neXtSIM `siconc` · OSI SAF (sea ice concentration) `ice_conc` · NOAA/NSIDC CDR `cdr_seaice_conc`, `raw_bt_seaice_conc`, `raw_nt_seaice_conc` · CryoSat-2 `sea_ice_concentration` · CS3SMOS `sea_ice_concentration` · ESA CCI `ice_conc`, `raw_ice_conc_values`, `sea_ice_concentration` · ICESat-2 `sea_ice_conc` · CS2SMOS `sea_ice_concentration` · Sea Ice Index `concentration` · GHRSST MUR v4.1 `sea_ice_fraction` · AVHRR Pathfinder SST v5.3 `sea_ice_fraction` · ASI AMSR2 (Univ. Bremen) (file)
Sea ice extent / area (index)	`sea_ice_extent` / `sea_ice_area`	1	Sea Ice Index `Extent`, `extent`, `area`, `Avg Ext`
Sea ice thickness	`sea_ice_thickness`	17	CARRA2 `sithick` · CARRA `sithick` · GLORYS12 `sithick` · ORAS5 `sea_ice_thickness` · ECCO V4 `SIheff` · SODA4 `hi` · SODA3 `hi` · TOPAZ4b `sithick`, `sithick_corr` · PIOMAS `heff`, `gice`, `hiday`, `PIOMAS.thick.daily.*.dat.gz` · GIOMAS `heff`, `hiday` · neXtSIM `sithick` · CryoSat-2 `sea_ice_thickness` · CS3SMOS `sea_ice_thickness` · ESA CCI `sea_ice_thickness` · ICESat-2 `ice_thickness`, `ice_thickness_int`, `ice_thickness_mw99`, `ice_thickness_sm_e5` · CS2SMOS `analysis_sea_ice_thickness`, `background_sea_ice_thickness`, `weighted_mean_sea_ice_thickness`, `smos_sea_ice_thickness` · SMOS thin sea ice thickness `sea_ice_thickness`
Sea ice volume / mass	`sea_ice_volume`	3	SODA4 `mi` · SODA3 `mi` · PIOMAS `PIOMAS.vol.daily.*.dat.gz`, `PIOMAS.monthly.Current.v2.1.csv`
Sea ice drift / velocity	`sea_ice_x_velocity` / `sea_ice_y_velocity`	10	GLORYS12 `usi`, `vsi` · ORAS5 `sea_ice_zonal_velocity`, `sea_ice_meridional_velocity` · ECCO V4 `SIuice` · SODA4 `ui`, `vj` · TOPAZ4b `vxsi`, `vysi` · PIOMAS `icevel`, `uiday` · GIOMAS `icevel`, `uiday` · neXtSIM `vxsi`, `vysi` · Polar Pathfinder `u`, `v` · OSI SAF (sea ice drift) `dX`, `dY`
Sea ice type / age (multiyear ice)	`age_of_sea_ice`	2	neXtSIM `si_ridge_ratio`, `siconc_my`, `siconc_young`, `siage` · CryoSat-2 `sea_ice_type`
Sea ice growth / melt	`tendency_of_sea_ice_thickness_due_to_thermodynamics`	3	PIOMAS `iceprod`, `advect`, `oflux` · GIOMAS `iceprod`, `oflux_ocn` · NOAA/NSIDC CDR `cdr_melt_onset_day`
Sea ice freeboard / draft	`sea_ice_freeboard`	3	CryoSat-2 `sea_ice_freeboard`, `radar_freeboard`, `sea_ice_draft` · ESA CCI `sea_ice_freeboard`, `radar_freeboard` · ICESat-2 `freeboard`, `mean_fb`, `beam_fb_height`
Snow on sea ice	`surface_snow_thickness (on sea ice)`	10	ECCO V4 `SIhsnow`, `SIarea`, `SIheff` · SODA4 `hs` · SODA3 `hs` · TOPAZ4b `sisnthick` · PIOMAS `snow`, `snowday` · GIOMAS `snow`, `snowday` · neXtSIM `sisnthick` · CryoSat-2 `snow_depth`, `snow_density` · ESA CCI `snow_depth` · ICESat-2 `snow_depth`, `snow_density`

Glaciers and ice sheets¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Glacier and ice-sheet surface velocity	`land_ice_surface_x_velocity` / `land_ice_surface_y_velocity`	1	ITS_LIVE `v`, `vx`, `vy`

Land surface¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Snow cover extent / fraction	`surface_snow_area_fraction`	4	ERA5-Land `snowc` · MODIS Snow (MOD10) `NDSI_Snow_Cover`, `NDSI`, `NDSI_Snow_Cover_Algorithm_Flags_QA`, `CGF_NDSI_Snow_Cover` · VIIRS Snow (VNP10) `NDSI_Snow_Cover`, `NDSI`, `Algorithm_bit_flags_QA`, `CGF_NDSI_Snow_Cover` · ESA CCI Snow `scfg`, `scfv`
Leaf area index (LAI)	`leaf_area_index`	7	ERA5-Land `lai_lv`, `lai_hv` · NLDAS-2 `LAI` · MODIS ET (MOD16) `ET_QC_500m` · MODIS LAI/FPAR (MCD15) `Lai_500m` · VIIRS LAI/FPAR (VNP15) `Lai` · CLMS LAI/FAPAR/FCOVER `LAI` · GLASS (file)
FAPAR / vegetation cover fraction	`fraction_of_surface_downwelling_photosynthetic_radiative_flux_absorbed_by_vegetation`	5	MODIS ET (MOD16) `ET_QC_500m` · MODIS LAI/FPAR (MCD15) `Fpar_500m` · VIIRS LAI/FPAR (VNP15) `Fpar` · CLMS LAI/FAPAR/FCOVER `FAPAR`, `FCOVER` · GLASS (file)
Vegetation index (NDVI, EVI)	`normalized_difference_vegetation_index`	4	MODIS NDVI/EVI (MOD13) `250m 16 days NDVI`, `250m 16 days EVI`, `1 km monthly NDVI`, `1 km monthly EVI` · VIIRS NDVI/EVI (VNP13) `500 m 16 days NDVI`, `500 m 16 days EVI`, `500 m 16 days EVI2`, `CMG 0.05 Deg 16 days NDVI` · GIMMS NDVI `ndvi` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) (file)
Surface albedo / reflectance	`surface_albedo`	8	ERA-15 `AL` · GLDAS-2 `Albedo_inst` · NLDAS-2 `Albedo` · GLASS `ABD_BSA_shortwave`, `ABD_BSA_VIS`, `ABD_BSA_NIR`, `ABD_WSA_shortwave` · MODIS BRDF/Albedo (MCD43) `Albedo_BSA_Band1`, `Albedo_BSA_Band7`, `Albedo_BSA_vis`, `Albedo_BSA_nir` · VIIRS BRDF/Albedo (VNP43) `Albedo_BSA_M1`, `M5`, `Albedo_BSA_M7`, `M8` · MODIS Snow (MOD10) `Snow_Albedo_Daily_Tile` · CLARA-A3 `black_sky_albedo_all_mean`, `white_sky_albedo_all_mean`, `blue_sky_albedo_all_mean`
Land cover classification	`area_type`	4	MODIS Land Cover (MCD12) `LC_Type1`, `LC_Type2`, `LC_Type3`, `LC_Type4` · ESA CCI / C3S Land Cover `lccs_class` · ESA WorldCover `Map` · MODIS LST (MOD11·MOD21) `Emis_31`, `Emis_32`
Terrestrial water storage / groundwater storage	`land_water_amount`	3	GLDAS-2 `TWS_inst`, `TWS_tavg`, `GWS_tavg` · FLDAS `TWS_tavg` · GRACE / GRACE-FO `lwe_thickness`
Ground heat flux	`downward_heat_flux_in_soil`	4	CORe `GFLUX` · GLDAS-2 `Qg_tavg` · FLDAS `Qg_tavg` · NLDAS-2 `Qg`
Land carbon fluxes (GPP, NEE, respiration)	`gross_primary_productivity_of_biomass_expressed_as_carbon`	3	SMAP (L3·L4) `nee_mean`, `gpp_mean`, `rh_mean` · GLASS (file) · GFED `BB`, `NPP`, `Rh`
Drought index / climatic water deficit	`-`	2	TerraClimate `def`, `PDSI` · GLEAM4 `S`
Burned area / burn date	`burned_area_fraction`	3	MODIS Burned Area (MCD64A1) `Burn Date` · VIIRS Burned Area (VNP64A1) `Burn Date` · GFED `Total`, `Norm`, `Crop`, `Defo`
Fire emissions	`tendency_of_atmosphere_mass_content_of_carbon_dioxide_due_to_emission_from_fires`	1	GFED `DM`, `C`, `CO2`, `CO`

Atmosphere — cloud properties and composition¶

Standard variable	CF standard name	Datasets	Name in each dataset
Cloud-top pressure / temperature / height	`air_pressure_at_cloud_top`	9	CLARA-A3 `ctp`, `cth`, `ctt` · PATMOS-x `cld_temp_acha`, `cld_press_acha`, `cld_height_acha` · CERES SYN1deg `obs_cld_top_press`, `obs_cld_top_temp` · MODIS Cloud (MOD06·MOD35) `Cloud_Top_Pressure`, `cloud_top_pressure_1km`, `cloud_top_height_1km`, `Cloud_Top_Temperature` · VIIRS Cloud (CLDPROP·CLDMSK) `Cloud_Top_Pressure`, `Cloud_Top_Height`, `Cloud_Top_Temperature`, `Mean` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) `CTT`, `CTP`, `CTH` · ISCCP-H `pc`, `tc` · TROPOMI `cloud_top_pressure`, `cloud_top_height` · CALIPSO `Layer_Top_Altitude`, `Layer_Base_Altitude`
Cloud optical thickness / effective radius	`atmosphere_optical_thickness_due_to_cloud`	7	CERES EBAF Ed4.2.1 `cldtau_total_day_mon` · CLARA-A3 (file) · PATMOS-x `cld_emiss_acha`, `cld_opd_dcomp`, `cld_reff_dcomp` · CERES SYN1deg `obs_cld_od` · MODIS Cloud (MOD06·MOD35) `Cloud_Optical_Thickness`, `Cloud_Effective_Radius`, `Cloud_Optical_Thickness_16`, `Cloud_Optical_Thickness_1621` · VIIRS Cloud (CLDPROP·CLDMSK) `Cloud_Effective_Emissivity`, `Cloud_Optical_Thickness`, `Cloud_Effective_Radius`, `Cloud_Optical_Thickness_16` · ISCCP-H `tau`
Cloud mask / cloud phase	`cloud_binary_mask`	4	CLARA-A3 `cph` · MODIS Cloud (MOD06·MOD35) `Cloud_Mask`, `Cloud_Phase_Infrared_1km`, `Cloud_Phase_Optical_Properties` · VIIRS Cloud (CLDPROP·CLDMSK) `Integer_Cloud_Mask`, `Clear_Sky_Confidence`, `Cloud_Mask`, `Cloud_Phase_Cloud_Top_Properties` · GK-2A (GEO-KOMPSAT-2A) `CLD`, `CPH`
Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)	`atmosphere_mole_content_of_nitrogen_dioxide`	4	Aura OMI `ColumnAmountNO2TropCloudScreened`, `ColumnAmountNO2CloudScreened`, `ColumnAmountNO2Trop`, `ColumnAmountNO2` · TROPOMI `nitrogendioxide_tropospheric_column`, `nitrogendioxide_total_column`, `nitrogendioxide_stratospheric_column` · GEMS (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `ColumnAmountNO2`, `ColumnAmountNO2Trop` · GOSAT (GOSAT-2·GOSAT-GW) `no2VcdTroposphere`, `no2VcdTotal`
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂)	`atmosphere_mole_content_of_sulfur_dioxide`	4	Aura MLS `L2gpValue`, `L2gpValue`, `L2gpValue`, `L2gpValue` · Aura OMI `ColumnAmountSO2`, `ColumnAmountSO2_PBL`, `ColumnAmountSO2_TRL`, `_TRM` · TROPOMI `sulfurdioxide_total_vertical_column`, `_1km`, `_7km`, `_15km` · GEMS (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `ColumnAmountSO2`
Formaldehyde (HCHO) / glyoxal	`atmosphere_mole_content_of_formaldehyde`	3	Aura OMI `column_amount`, `main_data_quality_flag` · TROPOMI `formaldehyde_tropospheric_vertical_column` · GEMS (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `ColumnAmount`
Carbon monoxide (CO)	`atmosphere_mole_content_of_carbon_monoxide`	3	AIRS V7 `CO_VMR_A`, `CO_VMR_D` · TROPOMI `carbonmonoxide_total_column` · GOSAT (GOSAT-2·GOSAT-GW) `xco`
Methane (CH₄)	`mole_fraction_of_methane_in_air`	2	TROPOMI `methane_mixing_ratio_bias_corrected` · GOSAT (GOSAT-2·GOSAT-GW) `xch4`, `xco2_fp`, `xch4_fp`
Carbon dioxide (CO₂, XCO₂)	`mole_fraction_of_carbon_dioxide_in_air`	3	PATMOS-x `refl_0_65um_nom`, `refl_0_86um_nom`, `refl_1_60um_nom`, `temp_3_75um_nom` · OCO-2 `xco2`, `xco2_raw` · GOSAT (GOSAT-2·GOSAT-GW) `xco2`, `xco2_fp`, `xch4_fp`
Solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF)	`-`	1	OCO-2 `SIF_740nm`, `SIF_757nm`, `SIF_771nm`, `Daily_SIF_740nm`
Surface particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10)	`mass_concentration_of_pm2p5_ambient_aerosol_particles_in_air`	2	MERRA-2 `DUSMASS25` · GEMS (GEO-KOMPSAT-2B) `PM10`, `PM25`
GNSS radio occultation refractivity / bending angle	`-`	1	GNSS-RO (COSMIC-2·ROM SAF) `Bend_ang`, `Opt_bend_ang`, `Impact_parm`, `Ref`