Climate datasets are generally categorised based on the data source in one of these three groups: Observations, Model output and Reanalysis.

We have summarized information for each of these categories, including links to different datasets, important terms and other resources. You can find such information by following the links further below.

Please note -- The information provided in this website is collected through voluntary efforts on the part of researchers like you. To suggest edits to any of the pages, simply do so on the googledoc listed at the bottom of each page. If you cannot access googledocs and would still like to contribute, please reach out to us over email with your suggestions/contributions. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yOchECe3Iz9l56mmMz5Uc7GZ88-iwXPRoSc2UTTq76c/edit?usp=sharing 

The catalogue further below hosts links and information about some major climate datasets. This is not a comprehensive list of every dataset out there, but can be useful if you are looking for some important climate data. The database can be filtered by different criteria (source, component, regional coverage, etc) and you can also suggest a new dataset by following the form on the right hand side of the window below or by reaching out to us.

Observations

Observations

Real-world measurements. Use this when you want to study real-world, past, and present climate conditions.

Models

Climate Models

Simulated data from computer models. Also called Forecast, as they often ‘forecast’ a possible future scenario (although one can also simulate the past).

Reanalysis

Reanalysis

A combination of observational data and model output. Reanalysis takes observations and feeds them into a climate model, using the model’s physics to fill in gaps and create a consistent, gridded dataset over time.

Catalogue of Climate Data

We have put together a list of important datasets of climate records, including model outputs, observational records and reanalysis data.

The dataset can be filtered according to various criteria and conditions, and the entries provide a lot of the important details about each dataset, including reference literature and access link.