FLEXPART meteorological input from ECMWF

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Software for the retrieval of ECMWF data as needed by FLEXPART

Software for retrieving ECMWF data in the specific format needed by FLEXPART was originally created by Gerhard Wotawa. The later versions were written by Leo Haimberger on behalf of CTBTO. v7.0.3 together with Anne Philipp.

NOTE: This software was usable for member-state users only. From v7.0.3 on, retrieving public datasets as non-member-state user is supported.

• ECMWF data retrieval software, V2.1
• ECMWF data retrieval software, V4, allows to retrieve compressed ECMWF data on old AIX ecgate in mixed GRIB1/GRIB2 coding
• ECMWF data retrieval software, V4.1, allows to retrieve compressed ECMWF data on new Linux ecgate in mixed GRIB1/GRIB2 coding
• flex_extract_ecgate_V6.0.tar.gz, a new version for retrieval with 1h time resolution and other enhancements
• flex_extract V7.0.2 New, python-based version. Allows access to publicly available data without a member state account through the python framework of ECMWF (ecmwf-api-client-python). Note that if you have the choice between working through this interface or directly on ecaccess/ through a gateway server, one of the latter options will usually be considerably faster. In any case, extracting large data sets takes time.
• flex_extract V7.0.3. FpInputMetEcmwfLinks has relevant links and a step-by-step instruction of how to prepare your environment for being able to install and use flex_extract v7. We now have flex_exctract also in a public git repository on this site: browser:flex_extract.git
• flex_extract V7.0.4, a bugfix version which solves problems with ERA5 and CERA retrieval from v7.0.3 and added 2 new features. It can retrieve analysis and forecast ensembles efficiently e.g. by setting number=0/to/9. In this case output files get an additional suffix for the ensemble member number. Additionally, it can write an extra file mars_requests.csv which contains all mars request parameters for each request.

Relevant information to use flex_extract

FpInputMetEcmwfLinks has relevant links and a step-by-step instruction of how to prepare your environment for being able to install and use flex_extract

Obtaining access to ECMWF MARS

In order to extract data from the ECMWF MARS archive, one needs an account at ECMWF.

Reanalysis and MACC/CAMS data are publicly available. The ​procedure for registration is explained on the ECMWF web site (register and perform steps 1 and 2). Consider the ​applicable licence. (FpInputMetEcmwfLinks contains instructions and links as well)

For other data (e.g., operational IFS data) a member-state or special-project account is be required. Contact your national meteorological service if you need this and your country is among ECMWF member states.