[Go-essp-tech] CMIP5 parameter versions

[mark collier]

Hi,
just a general question about versions of parameters.

As we identify problems our list of new versions is growing, however,  
still manageable.

What concerns us more is the possibility of outdated versions which  
may still be accessed. In terms of reconciling file (differences) it  
can be good to have all versions available, however, nightmarish if  
the wrong files get into analysts repositories and accidently (or  
unknowingly used if they aren't aware of them being outdated) used.

I would like to know:

1) if the ESG system is designed to always supply the latest version  
(and hide away old versions)?

2) as the filesystem that is scanned by the ESG system is shared by  
our analysts, as it stands old versions can still be seen and copied  
and potentially end up in local archives, especially when distributed  
by 3rd parties. We would like to try and avoid this from happening  
_without_ messing up the ESG metadata.

One solution for 2) is to ("in-situ") change the variable name from  
say pr to pr_error in the wrong/outdated file versions - the DRS  
structure (including filename) will stay the same but anyone trying to  
read the file will instantly be alerted to the problem.

This is probably our biggest concern at the moment in terms of making  
data available to the CMIP5 community.

Regards,
Mark Collier.