Translational Information
To facilitate the use of climate information NCPP uses two different types of information: Metadata and Translational Information. Metadata is highly structured. It includes a listing of the attributes of each data product. It is not interpretive in the same way that translational information is.
This page contains information about the proposed levels and elements of translational information related to the evolving climate. An initial application of such information will be in the Climate Indices Pilot Project.
One of the goals of NCPP is to provide information to help translate the results of the scientific investigation of climate into usable knowledge for practitioners. Recognizing that there are similarities between many problems faced by practitioners, we are developing templates to structure this translational information. We are using sample problems to develop the initial version of these templates. What is described below is an initial template for translational information being developed by our Climate Indices Pilot.
In developing translational information, we strive to link expert guidance and understanding of modeling processes and evaluation of modeling with the use of numerical climate data. Translational information thus is a suite of information that aids in translation of numerical climate information into usable knowledge for applications, e.g. ecological response models, hydrologic risk studies. This includes technical and scientific aspects including (but not limited to):
- Results of objective, quantitative evaluation of climate models and downscaling techniques
- Description of the scientific procedures followed to develop data (such as downscaled data or derivative variables) for an application. For example, if three elements of the analysis are index, aggregation and period, the translational information would include a description of the method of calculation of the index, grid scale resolution and whether the data was spatially aggregated, and the time period of analysis.
- Description of the scientific rationale related to potential user choices to answer specific applications questions, for example, rationale behind choice of a specific dataset, choice of time period, etc., and guidance on the impacts of these user choices on the final interpretation of the results.
- Narratives that provide summary information of what has happenned historically, e.g. trends or changes in seasonality, as well as a description of how climate is projected to change in the future.
- Characterization and interpretation of uncertainty.
- Descriptions of the current state of understanding of the advantages and limitations of various downscaling techniques for specific user applications.
- Guidance in narrative form on appropriate uses and interpretation of climate information. For example, expert judgments (based on analysis and evaluation) that the use of particular climate information is appropriate and scientifically justified for a particular application.
Climate Indices use case: This use case will develop translational information for the historical distribution of temperatures above 100oF on a grid point basis within the domain of the North Central Climate Science Center (NC CSC, see NC CSC Joint pilot) for a period of one year.
Translational information template:The steps required to develop translational information content are illustrated below. Tailoring translational information for a particular use case is essential for providing usable knowledge. The first three elements, index, aggregation and period, start with the attributes of the dataset. The user, however, is immediately faced with decisions, for example, what is the impact of using shorter or longer periods for the calculation of the index. Therefore, to analyze this decision the dataset must span enough time. The next element, the choice of observed dataset requires analysis of the attributes of the dataset in concert with the particulars of the problem being addressed. This exposes the advantages and the limitations and helps determine whether the choice of the dataset is acceptable. The observed climatic behaviour relevant to the users' needs is then provided in the summary narrative.
The diagram below shows elements of analysis (dark blue ovals) listed in sequence vertically and possible user choices related to these elements (light blue rectangles) listed in sequence horizontally.
The content envisioned in the Summary narrative, the last element of the above diagram, is described below. The narrative has elements describing three main areas of interest as determined from discussions with practitioners:
a) Past changes - what has happened historically within my area of interest?;
b) Future changes - what will happen in the future?;
c) Impacts - how will this affect me? - This element includes examples or preliminary information for users intended to inform subsequent detailed risk analysis or impacts assessment.
The diagram below contains the main elements of the summary narrative presented in ovals and related details and questions, listed to the right of each element.
Using our experience and other use cases we will identify steps which are common to many problems as well as the type of information that is unique to problems. Our goal is to ease the gathering of information in future problems, promote the evolution of standards for use of climate information, and accelerate the use of climate information.
