Selection file

A selection file contains parameters to define which data you want to download from ESGF archive, how to download it and how to store the data.

The user defines one or many selection files. Each of them have a list of facets (variables, frequencies, experiments, ensemble, model, etc.). Using them, the program explore the ESGF archive and download all the corresponding available files. The program may be run regularly to download the possible new files. Typically each file is associated with an analysis (cfmip, downscaling and so on). Create as many selection files as you want in the “selection” folder.

Those selection files are stored in $HOME/selection folder.

Example of a selection file

project=CMIP5
model=CNRM-CM5 CSIRO-Mk3-6-0
experiment=historical amip
ensemble=r1i1p1
variable[atmos][mon]=tasmin tas psl
variable[ocean][fx]=areacello sftof
variable[land][mon]=mrsos nppRoot nep

Note

Many selection file examples can be found here. Selection files are sometimes called “template” or “selection form”.

Selection file format

A selection file accepts the four following line formats.

Realm frequency and variable(s)

Definition:

variable[<realm>][<frequency>]=<variable1> <variable2> [...]

Example:

variable[atmos][mon]=tas psl tasmin

Note

Space is used as variable delimiter.

Facet(s) and variable(s)

Definition:

variable[<facet1> <facet2> <facet3> [...]]=<variable1> <variable2> [...]

Example:

variable[rcp26 atmos mon]=tasmin tasmax

Note

Space is used as facets and variables delimiter.

Name and value

Definition:

<name>=<value>

Example:

experiment=rcp26

Standalone value

Definition:

<value>

Example:

rcp26

Warning

Blank line are ignored. Selection files may include comments, prefixed by specific characters. Trailing comments are not supported.

Selection file parameter

See selection file parameter reference.

Selection file management

Adding a selection file

Create a new selection file in the “selection” folder and set the filters.

Then run command below to start the discovery:

synda install -s <selection-file>

Editing a selection file

Edit the file and change filters accordingly.

Then run command below:

synda install -s <selection-file>

Removing a selection file

Run command below to remove files matching the selection file

synda remove -s <selection-file>

Then manually remove the selection file from the “selection” folder.