The simulated soil moisture is higher than the normal range.

[zzzggg]

What version of the code are you using?

I2000Clm50SpGs
I2000Clm50Sp

Have you made any changes to files in the source tree?
NO

Describe your problem or question:
finidat: clmi.I2000Clm50BgcCrop.2011-01-01.1.9x2.5_gx1v7_gl4_simyr2000_c190312.nc
surface data: surfdata_360x720cru_78pfts_CMIP6_simyr2000_c170824.nc
datm data: ERA5(Temperature, air pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, solar radiation, downward solar radiation, precipitation rate)

I conducted a 20-year simulation using I2000Clm50SpGs and observed abnormally high soil moisture values in Europe and northern Asia from May to October, particularly in the shallow layers (0–30 cm).

I compared the datm data with GSWP3 but found no significant discrepancies.
Initial checks revealed coarse resolution in the initial conditions, so I performed a cold start. However, the same issue reappeared after 2 years of simulation.
I then switched to I2000Clm50Sp, yet the problem persisted.
I examined the ‘PCT_LAKE’ variable in the surface data but cannot confirm if this is the cause.
Relevant figures are appended below.

My question is: What could be causing this wet bias, and how should I pinpoint or resolve it?
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your input!"

 

[slevis]

Starting from the statement that you compared the datm data with GSWP3 and found no significant diffs, next I would suggest replicating your simulation with GSWP3 datm data. If you still find overestimated soil moisture, then this may suggest that the problem is with the model and not with the datm data.