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5 - Create an SDF

The Suite Definition File (SDF) tells the CCPP-Framework which schemes will be run in what order. For more, see CCPP in CAM-SIMA

  • In $CAM-SIMA/src/physics/ncar_ccpp/test/test_suites, create suite_<parameterization>.xml. This is your SDF!

    SDF location

    If your parameterization or CCPPization represents a complete configuration that can be run by normal users (e.g. a simple physics package like kessler), instead put your SDF in $CAM-SIMA/src/physics/ncar_ccpp/suites.

    Most likely, your parameterization will not fall into this category and will "just" be part of an existing suite like CAM4 or CAM7, meaning you should put the SDF in the test_suite directory listed above.

  • See the template below. You will need to select either physics_before_coupler or physics_after_coupler as your group name, according to the table below.

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<suite name="<parameterization>" version="1.0">  
   <group name="physics_X_coupler">  
       <scheme><parameterization></scheme>
   </group>
</suite>
CAM physpkg routine CAM-SIMA SDF Group Description
tphysbc physics_before_coupler Physics schemes run before the surface coupler is called
tphysac physics_after_coupler Physics schemes run after the surface coupler is called
  • Add any interstitials which you’ve created or are using in the appropriate location relative to your parameterization

For example: if your parameterization requires dry water vapor, you'll want to add:

  • <scheme>wet_to_dry_water_vapor</scheme> before your core parameterization scheme to convert water vapor to a dry mixing ratio (CAM-SIMA has "wet")
  • <scheme>dry_to_wet_water_vapor</scheme> after your parameterization scheme to convert back to a wet mixing ratio to return to CAM-SIMA

CAMX physics suite

You will also need to add your same set of schemes to the appropriate larger suite (usually suite_cam7.xml). Use comments to delineate your set(s) of schemes to make the SDF somewhat readable.

Once you have created your SDF, proceed to 6 - Create snapshots of CAM