Canadian Large Ensembles Adjusted Dataset version 1 (CanLEADv1): Multivariate bias-corrected climate model outputs for terrestrial modelling and attribution studies in North America

Abstract

The Canadian Large Ensembles Adjusted Dataset version 1 (CanLEADv1) contains 50-member ensembles of bias-adjusted near-surface global and regional climate model variables on a 0.5° grid over North America for historical and future scenarios (1950–2100). Canadian Earth System Model Large Ensembles (CanESM2 LE) and Canadian Regional Climate Model Large Ensemble (CanRCM4 LE) datasets are bias-corrected using a multivariate quantile-mapping algorithm for statistical consistency – in terms of marginal distributions and multivariate dependence structure – with two observationally constrained historical meteorological forcing datasets. For each observational dataset, bias-adjusted variables are provided for two sets of 50-member initial-condition CanESM2 ensembles (historical plus RCP8.5 scenarios, 1950–2005 and 2006–2100, respectively; and historicalNAT scenario, 1950–2020, which excludes anthropogenic forcings), and one 50-member CanRCM4 ensemble (historical plus RCP8.5). The archive includes daily minimum temperature, maximum temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, surface pressure, wind speed, incoming shortwave radiation and incoming longwave radiation. Intended uses include hydrological and land surface impact modelling, as well as related event attribution studies.