CCSM3.0 Climatological Data Land Model v6.0 (dlnd6)
Introduction
The CCSM Climatological Data Land Model, version 6.0 (dlnd), was released in June 2004, as part of the CCSM3.0 release.
Documentation
User Documents: Combined User's Guide, Source Code Reference, and Scientific Description [html] [pdf]
What is a "data land 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 Land Model (dlnd) functions as the land component in a CCSM configuration. The dlnd land component interacts with the coupler just like any land model would, but it is not an active model, rather, it takes land data from an input data file and sends it to the coupler, ignoring any forcing data received from the coupler. Typically the input data file contains mean monthly data generated by an active CCSM land model (it's unlikely that real world observations exist for all the required fields). Such a "dummy" land model is useful for doing ocean + ice spinup runs.
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.