CCSM2.0.1 Climatological Data Ice Model v5.0.1 (dice5)
Introduction
The CCSM Climatological Data Ice Model, version 5.0.1 (dice5), was released in October 2002, as part of the CCSM2.0.1 release.
Documentation
User Documents: Combined User's Guide, Source Code Reference, and Scientific Description [html] [pdf]
What is a "data ice model"?
CCSM coupled model is based on a framework which divides the complete climate system into component models connected by a coupler. This design requires four component models -- atmosphere, sea-ice, land, and ocean -- each connected to the Coupler, and each exchanging data with the Coupler only.
The Climatological Data Ice Model (dice) functions as the sea ice component in a CCSM configuration. This sea ice model component interacts with the CCSM Coupler just like any ice model would, but it is not an active model, rather, it takes ice fraction data from an input data file, infers an ice extent, and sends this data to the Coupler, ignoring any forcing data received from the Coupler. An input data file contains 12 months of climatological mean monthly ice fraction data. Such a "dummy" ice model is useful for seeing how an active atmosphere component behaves when coupled to climatological ice extent.
Important note: When assembling a CCSM configuration, carefully consider the limitations and requirements of all components and be sure that the complete set of component models will interact in a meaningful way. In particular, consider whether the data provided by this model is adequate for your application.