Search ESGF Catalogue
Use the integrated ESGF search to find datasets by project (CMIP6, CORDEX), experiment, model, variable, and domain. NetCDF Studio queries the federation index automatically.
ESGF Climate Model Data to CSV
The Earth System Grid Federation (ESGF) is the world's largest distributed archive of climate model output, hosting CMIP6 coupled model data, CORDEX regional climate projections, and historical CMIP5 runs from modelling centres on every continent. NetCDF Studio connects to the ESGF search API, helps you locate the experiment and variable you need, and converts the result to a clean flat CSV — no wget scripts, no ESGF client configuration, no Python environment required.
DATASET OVERVIEW
At a Glance
| Source | ESGF Federation nodes — distributed global archive across dozens of institutions |
| Catalogues | CMIP6, CMIP5, CORDEX regional projections, and other MIPs |
| Coverage | Global model grids; CORDEX also covers regional domains (South Asia, Europe, Africa, etc.) |
| Access | Open datasets require no login; restricted datasets require an ESGF OpenID account |
| Output | CSV with one row per grid cell per time step, ready for Excel, QGIS, Python and R |
PROCESSING PIPELINE
How It Works
Download from Node
NetCDF Studio selects the best available ESGF node and retrieves the file, handling redirects and mirrors transparently. No wget scripts or client configuration needed.
Download CSV
Your CSV is ready — one row per grid cell per time step, SI units, ISO 8601 timestamps. Opens in Excel, QGIS, Python and R without any transformation.
FAQ
Common Questions
Do I need an ESGF account?
Some ESGF datasets require an OpenID account at an ESGF node, while others are freely accessible. NetCDF Studio integrates with the ESGF search API and guides you through access requirements for each dataset — you will only be asked for credentials when the specific file you selected requires them.
What datasets are available on ESGF?
ESGF hosts the official CMIP6 archive (coupled model inter-comparison project), CORDEX regional climate projections, CMIP5, and a range of other climate model outputs contributed by modelling centres worldwide. The full catalogue contains millions of NetCDF files from hundreds of models.
How is ESGF different from the CMIP6 page?
ESGF is the underlying distributed infrastructure that hosts CMIP6. The CMIP6 page on NetCDF Studio streamlines access to the most common CMIP6 scenario variables via a simplified form. The ESGF page gives you access to the full ESGF catalogue, including CORDEX, CMIP5, and experimental datasets not listed in the CMIP6 shortcut.
Can I download CORDEX regional projections?
Yes — CORDEX is part of the ESGF catalogue. CORDEX provides dynamically downscaled climate projections at roughly 50 km and 25 km resolution for regions including South Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and more. Use the ESGF interface and filter by Project = CORDEX.
Access ESGF climate data today
1.5 GB storage · all correction modules · no account required for most datasets · no credit card
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