num_a1 units?

[gkooperm@ucsd_edu]

The units for CAM5 output variables beginning with num (num_a1, num_a2, num_a3, num_c1, num_c2, num_c3) are given as kg/kg. Are these variables not the number mixing ratio or concentration? I expected units of #/kg or #/cm3. Can anyone clarify what this variable is supposed to be and if the units are correct.

Thank you,
Gabe

 

[eaton]

Yes, these species are number mixing ratios. I don't know exactly how they are defined. The file models/atm/cam/src/chemistry/modal_aero/modal_aero_data.F90 contains comments that says the units are particles/mole-air.

 

[hannay]

The units for num_a1, etc should be #/kg (and not kg/kg).
We are aware the units are not specified correctly in the history files and we plan to fix this in future version of the model.