MAGICC6 Wiki - User contributions [en]

MAGICC6 User FAQ

2015-02-03T06:16:00Z

Mmalte: new MAGICC 7 module...

This page provides answers to common questions, encountered when using MAGICC6 via our [http://live.magicc.org webinterface] or when using the [http://www.magicc.org/download downloadable Windows executable].

== General Questions ==

=== Is MAGICC6 the best climate model ever? ===
Certainly not. MAGICC6 is a reduced-complexity climate model that attempts to synthesize current scientific understanding about many different gas-cycles, including the carbon cycle, climate feedbacks and radiative forcing. The strength of MAGICC is that it is sufficiently flexible to be able to closely emulate the large and complex climate models, sufficiently physically based to allow credible interpolations and indicative extrapolation near the calibration range. Furthermore, MAGICC6 is fast. That is an advantage, particularly for producing probabilistic projections for new emission scenarios, a process that is computationally unfeasible with the complex climate models. Thus, with due respect, if the question is whether MAGICC6 is the best method around to synthesize a whole range of climate and carbon cycle knowledge for probabilistic projections over the 21st century and beyond, we are inclined to say "yes". Thus, MAGICC6 aims to complement, rather than replace, any complex climate models (simply because MAGICC6 is closely calibrated towards these "big brothers"). 

=== I am teaching a class on climate. How can I use MAGICC? ===
Probably the best method is to use our online web-interface [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org]

== Questions related to live.magicc.org ==
=== Which version does liveMAGICC use? ===
liveMAGICC currently uses MAGICC6, the same version which was used to generate the RCP greenhouse gas concentrations.
 

=== How do I know what the different emission scenarios actually mean? ===
 There are many possible global emission pathways for different purposes and assumptions. For example, the RCP scenarios are the new standard, used by the Coupled Model Intercomparison excercise Phase 5. The highest scenario is RCP8.5 with a steady increase of emissions throughout the century. RCP.6 is the next lower one, approximately a middle range non-climate-policy scenarios, when compared to the previous SRES scenarios. RCP4.5 is the next lower emission scenario, often considered as a lax mitigation scenarios. The lowest scenario is RCP2.6, or as well called RCP3-PD, which represents a stringent mitigation scenario. Out of the four RCPs, only the latter scenario RCP2.6/RCP3-PD has a likely chance to stay below 2-degree warming. In general, it is probably best, if you go to the first tab on live.magicc.org. If you select your emissions scenarios and select the emissions you want to see, you can see their emission trajectories graphically. Thus, you can compare any other emission scenario to the RCPs, for example. 

=== If I select an emissions variable like "Fossil CO2" on Tab 1 - Emissions will I get different climate results ? ===
The selection of a emission path variable in the emission chart has no effect to the Magicc run. The emission chart is just for your information.
 

=== Can I run multiple emission scenarios at the same time? ===
You can do multiple selection of emission scenarios in the '''scenario select''' box on '''Tab 1 - Emissions'''. The procedure is dependent on your OS / browser. For Windows users: hold CTRL while selecting scenarios with the mouse or hold SHIFT to select a range of scenarios.

The multiple scenario selection will result in several tasks in ''Tab 3 - Climate'' that are queued to the users task list. MAGICC will process them in sequence.

'''Note''' that multiple selection of scenarios is also available in Bulk Run Mode. This may result in a long term processing queue.
 

=== How can I select multiple climate or carbon cycle settings? ===
Choose a desired climate or carbon cycle setting and switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. The run will be queued. Now return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' (you don't have to wait for the results) and choose another desired climate or carbon cycle setting. You can repeat these steps as often as desired. Identical model configurations will not be executed twice, so you don't need to take care of this.
 

=== How can I compare the same emission scenario for two different climate settings? ===
Choose a desired climate or carbon cycle setting and switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. The run will be queued. Now return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and choose another desired climate or carbon cycle setting. You can repeat these steps as often as desired.
 

=== How can I change only the climate sensitivity or other parameters? ===
Return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and change only the desired parameters. Once you switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate''' the forms of Tab 1 and Tab 2 will be evaluated and if changes were made MAGICC will be executed.
 

=== Why is the carbon cycle setting important when I want to know about the climate ? ===
 The carbon cycle is important as it determines the CO2 concentrations that result from CO2 emission pathways. There is some uncertainty on that link. The coupled carbon-cycle climate model MAGICC includes a simple terrestrial carbon cycle and oceanic component. You can select various C4MIP model calibrations to get a feeling for the uncertainty and importance of the carbon cycle response. 

=== Where can I see my outputs? ===
You can see your outputs on '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. On the left you will see your individual run list. Checkboxes indicate the already processed runs. By checking / unchecking the checkboxes you select the runs that will be plotted in the chart on the right.
 

=== Can I plot different variables in the same plot? ===
No, that is not possible because different climate variables require different y-axes and units. The variable list is therefore a single select box.
 

=== Can I download the data that live.magicc.org created? ===
You are able to download the results when you are registered and logged in. In your run list on Tab 3 - Climate you find a download link in the tooltips of the runs.
 

=== How can I run create GHG concentrations according to the RCP default settings ? ===
 If you choose the DEFAULT settings for both the climate and carbon cycle settings "SINGLERUN", your setting is the same as we used for creating the official RCP GHG concentrations. The reason, why you will get tiny differences in the concentration results (if you were to use the RCP emission pathways) compared to the official recommendations are things like ozone-depleting substance emissions. We had adapted those emissions for each RCP, but use a default emission profile in the background for this web-interface. 

=== How can I share my results with another user? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].
 

=== Why would I want to sign up with a User Account on live.magicc.org? ===
This allows you to resume a session as well as share your results with other users (This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to our [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org]). Also it allows to upload own emission scenarios and to download the results of the MAGICC runs.
 

=== What are the system requirements for participating in live.magicc.org? ===
You need a browser that is able to display our website. We tested our website for IE6, FF4, Opera7. You will need to enable JavaScript. There are no requirements for your processor or any of your hardware as MAGICC runs on our server.
 

=== How can I extend the output inteval to e.g. 2500 ===
That feature is not offered or planned in the online version. Please use the desktop version of MAGICC6 and change the paramtere ENDYEAR in /MAGICC_MAIN/MAGCFG_NMLYEARS.CFG to do so.

=== How much does it cost? ===
The service is free to use. If you make any use of this work, please cite:

Meinshausen, M., S. C. B. Raper and T. M. L. Wigley (2011). "Emulating coupled atmosphere-ocean and carbon cycle models with a simpler model, MAGICC6: Part I – Model Description and Calibration." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 11: 1417-1456. doi:[http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1417-2011 10.5194/acp-11-1417-2011]
 

=== How can I save the graphs that I create? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].
 

== MAGICC7 Development questions ==

=== Which are the modules that are currently screened for implementation? ===
a) Sea level rise components; b) OH Chemistry Sulphate aerosol formation rate; c) Nitrate aerosols; d) Nitrous oxides and carbon cycle interaction; e) New Stratospheric Ozone module; f) Stratospheric-Tropospheric ozone exchange; e) updated lifetimes and radiative efficiencies; f) El-Nino integration (exogenous prescription of N3.4 index) ... Please contact malte.meinshausen@unimelb.edu.au with suggestions.

MAGICC team

2013-06-17T16:17:43Z

Mmalte:

==Background==

MAGICC has over a 20 year history and was brought to life by Tom Wigley and Sarah Raper, largely during their time at the Climate Research Unit at the University of Norwich. Much recent development by Tom Wigley took place at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, USA. There, Malte Meinshausen joined the team and co-developed the most recent MAGICC version. Furthermore, numerous collaborators and users help to expand the code and report bugs, thereby providing an invaluable contribution to the ongoing development of MAGICC. Particular thanks are due to the international model intercomparison efforts of various kinds, which provide the vital database for parameterizing and calibrating various climate change, gas cycle and carbon cycle uncertainties. Without those, the MAGICC model, or any other reduced-complexity modelling approach, would lack the data for calibration and therefore its basis to estimate future climate change and its uncertainties.

== The MAGICC Developers ==

[[File:Tom_Wigley_small.jpg|100px|thumb|right|Dr. Tom Wigley]] Dr. Tom Wigley - is senior scientist in the Climate and Global Dynamics Division at [http://www.cgd.ucar.edu/cas/ NCAR ] in Boulder, USA and has been named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his major contributions to climate and carbon-cycle modeling and to climate data analysis. He has now returned to the University of Adelaide, Australia, where he received his doctorate as a mathematical physicist. Tom is one of the world's foremost experts on climate change and one of the most highly cited scientists in the discipline.

[[File:Sarah_Raper_small.jpg|100px|thumb|right|Dr. Sarah Raper]] Dr. Sarah Raper - is Senior Research Fellow at the [http://www.cate.mmu.ac.uk/ Centre for Air Transport and the Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University]. Sarah is a climate modeller, specializing in mountain glaciers, sea level rise, emulation of AOGCM climate models and, of course, the co-development of MAGICC. Sarah has an extensive involvement in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), having been a lead author of the projections chapter of the IPCC 3rd and 4th Assessment Reports. [http://www.cate.mmu.ac.uk/staffpage.asp?chg2=staff&chg=who&id=197 Sarah's home page].

[[File:Malte_Meinshausen_small.jpg|100px|thumb|right|Dr. Malte Meinshausen]] Dr. Malte Meinshausen - is Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne and Senior Researcher at the Potsdam Institiute for Climate Impact Research, Germany. Earlier he held a post-doctoral position at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado. He is a contributing author to various chapters in the Fourth and Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC AR4/AR5). [http://www.pik-potsdam.de/members/mmalte Malte's home page].

== Acknowledgements and key contributors ==
Many people helped in various ways in the development of MAGICC over the past 20 years, namely M. Salmon, M. Schlesinger, M. Hulme, T. Osborn, S. McGinnis and many more. We would like to warmly thank all those contributors and collaborators for making MAGICC possible. A special thanks to Dan Sandiford for making this WIKI possible.

== The web-interface to MAGICC6 on live.magicc.org ==
As a recent development, MAGICC6 was equipped with a web-interface, accessible via [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org]. The programmer behind this effort is Antonius Golly, member of the PIK Research Group [http://www.primap.org PRIMAP]. Without him, this website would not be possible.

Online Help

2013-06-17T16:12:59Z

Mmalte:

With the [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org] interface for running MAGICC6 on our servers, you have a simple 3-step process to generate your own climate scenario output. Below, we provide assistance with the choices you can make during this three step process;

== Step 1: Choosing Emissions ==

=== Select one or multiple existing emission scenarios ====

On the left of the first tab, you can select an emission scenario. Hold down the control key to select multiple emission scenarios.

=== Browse through the selected emission scenarios ====

You can browse through the global emissions from your selected scenarios, for example Fossil CO2, Methane etc. This helps you selecting the scenarios (with admittedly cryptic names sometimes).
Note: any selection you make here only affects the graph that is immediately right to it. The climate model runs will always take into account all of the emissions of your selected scenarios

=== Upload your own emission scenario ===
You have the option to upload your own MAGICC emission scenario as an ASCII file. You can either provide only globally aggregate emissions or regional emissions. If you want to put your own emission data into such a scenario input file, see this page of [[Creating_MAGICC_Scenario_Files | how to create your own .SCEN file ]].

== Step 2: Select Model Settings ==
You can run MAGICC in two distinct modes, a "standard" one and a "probabilistic" one.

=== Selecting "Probabilistic" run mode ===
If you choose the "probabilistic" setting, your selected emission scenarios will be run multiple times by MAGICC, each time with a slightly different parameter setting. The results will not be single temperature or CO2 concentration outcomes for each scenario, but actually uncertainty distributions.

Note: Since probabilistic runs will require the climate model to be run 171 or even 600 times for each scenario, some patience is required. Normally, finishing a probabilistic run will merely take a couple of minutes, perhaps up to 10min. You will be provided with distributions of key climate outputs for every decade, but not for every year, as under the "standard" runs.

==== Choose the "multi-model ensemble" probabilistic run mode ====

If you select this option, we will run your emission scenarios 171 times, with all combinations of 19 AOGCM calibrations and 9 carbon cycle model calibrations. These AOGCMs and carbon cycle models are from the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report and belong to the so-called "CMIP3" and "C4MIP" intercomparisons. If you assume that all those 19 AOGCMs and 9 carbon cycle models are equally likely and sampling the full uncertainty space (and there are good reasons, by the way, not to make that assumption), then you can interpret your outcome as a probabilistic distribution of expected future climate change. Otherwise, simply call it what it is: a "multi-model ensemble" without assigning this statistical property to it.

= Step 3: View Climate output =
This last panel provides you with the outputs for your simulations.

== Select the scenarios to plot ==
On the last panel, you find on the left hand side a list with all the simulations that you ran. For viewing these, choose one or multiple scenario runs that you did, whether they were using default climate settings or a probabilistic setup.

Note: If you cannot select your scenario and a little wheel is spinning to the right of it, then the runs are still to be performed (grey wheel) or currently running in the background (blue wheel). Once they are ready, the runs will automatically be selectable for plotting.

== Select the output variable ==

Select the climate variable that you would like to plot. For example, global-mean surface air temperatures, CO2 concentrations, radiative forcing etc. that you would like to plot.

Note: Depending on whether your runs were performed in the "standard" setup or "probabilistic" setup, you will either see either a single line per scenario or colored ranges. The colored ranges for the "probabilistic runs" denote the distribution of all the 171 or 600 runs that were performed with dark shading denoting the 50% percentile region and light shading the 66% percentile region (from 17% to 83%)

MAGICC6 User FAQ

2013-06-17T16:00:44Z

Mmalte:

This page provides answers to common questions, encountered when using MAGICC6 via our [http://live.magicc.org webinterface] or when using the [http://www.magicc.org/download downloadable Windows executable].

== General Questions ==

=== Is MAGICC6 the best climate model ever? ===
Certainly not. MAGICC6 is a reduced-complexity climate model that attempts to synthesize current scientific understanding about many different gas-cycles, including the carbon cycle, climate feedbacks and radiative forcing. The strength of MAGICC is that it is sufficiently flexible to be able to closely emulate the large and complex climate models, sufficiently physically based to allow credible interpolations and indicative extrapolation near the calibration range. Furthermore, MAGICC6 is fast. That is an advantage, particularly for producing probabilistic projections for new emission scenarios, a process that is computationally unfeasible with the complex climate models. Thus, with due respect, if the question is whether MAGICC6 is the best method around to synthesize a whole range of climate and carbon cycle knowledge for probabilistic projections over the 21st century and beyond, we are inclined to say "yes". Thus, MAGICC6 aims to complement, rather than replace, any complex climate models (simply because MAGICC6 is closely calibrated towards these "big brothers"). 

=== I am teaching a class on climate. How can I use MAGICC? ===
Probably the best method is to use our online web-interface [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org]

== Questions related to live.magicc.org ==
=== Which version does liveMAGICC use? ===
liveMAGICC currently uses MAGICC6, the same version which was used to generate the RCP greenhouse gas concentrations.
 

=== How do I use liveMAGICC? ===
Well, that's easy.

When you're entering liveMAGICC you will see '''Tab 1 - Emissions''' where you can select one or more emission scenarios. Click '''NEXT''' to get to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' where you are able to tune the climate and carbon cycle settings for MAGICC (optional). Switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate''' to actually run MAGICC and view the results of the desired settings made on Tab 1 and Tab 2.

Find a step-by-step online Help for the use of liveMAGICC under [[Online Help]].
 

=== How can I navigate through the tabs of liveMAGICC? ===
You can navigate through the tabs by clicking the '''NEXT''' and '''BACK''' buttons or by clicking the '''Nutshells''' acting as tab titles. There is no difference between those two navigation methods.

'''Tab 3 - Climate''' acts slightly differently to the first two tabs. While you are switching between the forms on '''Tab 1 - Emissions''' and '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''', clicking '''Tab 3 - Climate''' will result in a server request and will run MAGICC on our server. Make sure that you entered the desired settings on Tab 1 and 2 as once you switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate''' this will force the website to queue the task in the task list.
 

=== What is in Tab 1 - Emissions? ===
On the left is a list of available emission scenarios. You are also able to upload your own scenario files (SCEN-files).

Once you select one or more scenarios in the select box on the left the chart on the right will be refreshed and show the scenario pathway(s). You can navigate through the different emission variables by selecting an emission variable on top of the emission chart.
 

===What is in Tab 2 - Model Settings?===
In this tab, you can change the run mode on the left and all model settings. There are two run modes, '''Standard''' and '''Probabilistic'''. In Standard mode, you can specify climate parameters and carbon cycle settings specified on the right. In probabilistic mode, choose from the probabilistic modes '''Multi-model-ensemble emulations (171)''' and '''Probabilistic / historical constrained (600)'''.
 

=== What is in Tab 3 - Climate?===
'''Tab 3 - Climate''' shows the results of the individually created MAGICC runs. Note that the MAGICC runs will be processed once you switch to that tab. On the left you can see your personal run list. The items are attached either to a checkbox or a spinning wheel, depending on their status. A currently processing run has a blue spinning wheel. A queued run (not yet processed run) has a grey spinning wheel. All runs in the queue will be processed in sequence. Depending on the runmode it takes seconds (single run mode) to minutes (bulk run mode) to process a run. For probabilistic runs a feedback of the process is displayed (e.g "MAGICC run 34 of 171"). The checkbox marks runs as completely processed. A horizontal line in the run list divides standard runs (single runs) from probabilistic runs (bulk runs). The checkboxes allow for plotting. Checking and unchecking will refresh the climate chart on the right. You can compare as many runs as you desire. To change the plotted climate variable choose from the list on top of the chart.
 

=== How do I know what the different emission scenarios actually mean? ===
 Well, there are many different ones. For example, the RCP scenarios are the new standard, used by the Coupled Model Intercomparison excercise Phase 5. The highest scenario is RCP8.5 with a steady increase of emissions throughout the century. RCP.6 is the next lower one, approximately a middle range non-climate-policy scenarios, when compared to the previous SRES scenarios. RCP4.5 is the next lower emission scenario, often considered as a lax mitigation scenarios. The lowest scenario is RCP2.6, or as well called RCP3-PD, which represents a stringent mitigation scenario. Out of the four RCPs, only the latter scenario RCP2.6/RCP3-PD has a likely chance to stay below 2-degree warming. In general, it is probably best, if you go to the first tab on live.magicc.org. If you select your emissions scenarios and select the emissions you want to see, you can see their emission trajectories graphically. Thus, you can compare any other emission scenario to the RCPs, for example. 

=== If I select an emissions variable like "Fossil CO2" on Tab 1 - Emissions will I get different climate results ? ===
The selection of a emission path variable in the emission chart has no effect to the Magicc run. The emission chart is just for your information.
 

=== Can I run multiple emission scenarios at the same time? ===
You can do multiple selection of emission scenarios in the '''scenario select''' box on '''Tab 1 - Emissions'''. The procedure is dependent on your OS / browser. For Windows users: hold CTRL while selecting scenarios with the mouse or hold SHIFT to select a range of scenarios.

The multiple scenario selection will result in several tasks in ''Tab 3 - Climate'' that are queued to the users task list. MAGICC will process them in sequence.

'''Note''' that multiple selection of scenarios is also available in Bulk Run Mode. This may result in a long term processing queue.
 

=== How can I select multiple climate or carbon cycle settings? ===
Choose a desired climate or carbon cycle setting and switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. The run will be queued. Now return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and choose another desired climate or carbon cycle setting. You can repeat these steps as often as desired. If you choose an previously processed setting, MAGICC will not process that setting again, but the same output will be available for you in the end, as if MAGICC had run the scenario again.
 

=== How can I compare the same emission scenario for two different climate settings? ===
Choose a desired climate or carbon cycle setting and switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. The run will be queued. Now return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and choose another desired climate or carbon cycle setting. You can repeat these steps as often as desired.
 

=== How can I change only the climate sensitivity or other parameters? ===
Return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and change only the desired parameters. Once you switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate''' the forms of Tab 1 and Tab 2 will be evaluated and if changes were made MAGICC will be executed.
 

=== Why is the carbon cycle setting important when I want to know about the climate ? ===
 The carbon cycle is important as it determines the CO2 concentrations that result from CO2 emission pathways. There is some uncertainty on that link. The coupled carbon-cycle climate model MAGICC includes a simple terrestrial carbon cycle and oceanic component. You can select various C4MIP model calibrations to get a feeling for the uncertainty and importance of the carbon cycle response. 

=== Where can I see my outputs? ===
You can see your outputs on '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. On the left you will see your individual run list. Checkboxes indicate the already processed runs. By checking / unchecking the checkboxes you select the runs that will be plotted in the chart on the right.
 

=== Can I plot different variables in the same plot? ===
No, that is not possible because different climate variables require different y-axes and units. The variable list is therefore a single select box.
 

=== Can I download the data that live.magicc.org created? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].
 

=== How can I run create GHG concentrations according to the RCP default settings ? ===
 If you choose the DEFAULT settings for both the climate and carbon cycle settings "SINGLERUN", your setting is the same as we used for creating the official RCP GHG concentrations. The reason, why you will get tiny differences in the concentration results (if you were to use the RCP emission pathways) compared to the official recommendations are things like ozone-depleting substance emissions. We had adapted those emissions for each RCP, but use a default emission profile in the background for this web-interface. 

=== How can I share my results with another user? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].
 

=== Why would I want to sign up with a User Account on live.magicc.org? ===
This allows you to resume a session as well as share your results with other users (This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to our [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org]).
 

=== What are the system requirements for participating in live.magicc.org? ===
You need a browser that is able to display our website. We tested our website for IE6, FF4, Opera7. You will need JavaScript. There are no requirements for your processor or any of your hardware since liveMAGICC runs on our server.
 

=== How much does it cost? ===
The service is free to use. If you make any use of this work, please cite:

Meinshausen, M., S. C. B. Raper and T. M. L. Wigley (2011). "Emulating coupled atmosphere-ocean and carbon cycle models with a simpler model, MAGICC6: Part I – Model Description and Calibration." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 11: 1417-1456. doi:[http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1417-2011 10.5194/acp-11-1417-2011]
 

=== How can I save the graphs that I create? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].

MAGICC6 User FAQ

2013-06-17T15:36:34Z

Mmalte:

This page provides you with some of the common questions that you might come across, when using MAGICC6, either via our [http://live.magicc.org webinterface] or when using the [http://www.magicc.org/download downloadable Windows executable].

== General Questions ==

=== Is MAGICC6 the best climate model ever? ===
Certainly not. MAGICC6 is a reduced-complexity climate model that attempts to synthesize current scientific understanding about many different gas-cycles, including the carbon cycle, climate feedbacks and radiative forcing. The strength of MAGICC is that it is sufficiently flexible to be able to closely emulate the large and complex climate models, sufficiently physically based to allow credible interpolations and indicative extrapolation near the calibration range. Furthermore, MAGICC6 is fast. That is an advantage, particularly for producing probabilistic projections for new emission scenarios, a process that is computationally unfeasible with the complex climate models. Thus, with due respect, if the question is whether MAGICC6 is the best method around to synthesize a whole range of climate and carbon cycle knowledge for probabilistic projections over the 21st century and beyond, we are inclined to say "yes". MAGICC6 thereby only complements, rather than aiming to replace, any complex climate models (simply because MAGICC6 is closely calibrated towards these "big brothers"). 

=== I am teaching a class on climate. How can I use MAGICC? ===
Probably the best method is to use our online web-interface [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org]

== Questions related to live.magicc.org ==
=== Which version does liveMAGICC use? ===
liveMAGICC currently uses MAGICC6.
 

=== How do I use liveMAGICC? ===
Well, that's easy.

When you're entering liveMAGICC you will see '''Tab 1 - Emissions''' where you can select one or more emission scenarios. Click '''NEXT''' to get to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' where you are able to tune the climate and carbon cycle settings for MAGICC (optional). Switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate''' to actually run MAGICC and view the results of the desired settings made on Tab 1 and Tab 2.

Find a step-by-step online Help for the use of liveMAGICC under [[Online Help]].
 

=== How can I navigate through the tabs of liveMagicc? ===
You can navigate through the tabs by clicking the '''NEXT''' and '''BACK''' buttons or by clicking the '''Nutshells''' acting as tab titles. There is no difference between those two ways.

'''Tab 3 - Climate''' acts slightly different to the first two tabs. While you are switching between the forms on '''Tab 1 - Emissions''' and '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''', clicking '''Tab 3 - Climate''' will result in a server request and will run Magicc on our server. Be sure that you made the desired settings on Tab 1 and 2 once you switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate''' since this will force the website to queue the task in the task list.
 

=== What is in Tab 1 - Emissions? ===
On the left is a list of scenarios available to run Magicc with. You can customize this list (not yet implemented) or it may be customized for you by your supervisor, teacher or class leader. You are also allowed to upload your own scenario files (SCEN-files) (not yet implemented).

Once you select one or more scenarios in the select box on the left the chart on the right will be refreshed and show the scenario pathway(s). You can navigate through the different emission variables by selecting an emission variable on top of the emission chart.
 

===What is in Tab 2 - Model Settings?===
In this tab one can change the run mode on the left and all model settings. There are two run modes, '''Standard''' and '''Probabilistic'''. In Standard mode one can specify climate parameters and carbon cycle settings on the right. In probabilistic mode one can choose from the probabilistic modes '''Multi-model-ensemble emulations (171)''' and '''Probabilistic / historical constrained (600)'''. See ?? for detailed information.
 

=== What is in Tab 3 - Climate?===
'''Tab 3 - Climate''' shows the results of the individually created Magicc runs. Note that the Magicc runs will be processed once you switch to that tab. On the left you can see your personal run list. The items are attached either to a checkbox or a spinning wheel, depending on their status. A currently processing run has a blue spinning wheel. A queued run (not yet processed run) has a grey spinning wheel. All runs in the queue will be processed in sequence. Depending on the runmode it takes seconds (single run mode) to minutes (bulk run mode) to process a run. For probabilistic runs a feedback of the process is displayed (e.g "Magicc run 34 of 171"). The checkbox marks runs as completely processed. A horizontal line in the run list divides standard runs (single runs) from probabilistic runs (bulk runs). The checkboxes allow for plotting. Checking and unchecking will refresh the climate chart on the right. You can compare as many runs as you desire. To change the plotted climate variable choose from the list on top of the chart.
 

=== How do I know what the different emission scenarios actually mean? ===
 Well, there are many different ones. For example, the RCP scenarios are the new standard, used by the Coupled Model Intercomparison excercise Phase 5. The highest scenario is RCP8.5 with a steady increase of emissions throughout the century. RCP.6 is the next lower one, approximately a middle range non-climate-policy scenarios, when compared to the previous SRES scenarios. RCP4.5 is the next lower emission scenario, often considered as a lax mitigation scenarios. The lowest scenario is RCP2.6, or as well called RCP3-PD, which represents a stringent mitigation scenario. Out of the four RCPs, only the latter scenario RCP2.6/RCP3-PD has a likely chance to stay below 2-degree warming. In general, it is probably best, if you go to the first tab on live.magicc.org. If you select your emissions scenarios and select the emissions you want to see, you can see their emission trajectories graphically. Thus, you can compare any other emission scenario to the RCPs, for example. 

=== If I select an emissions variable like "Fossil CO2" on Tab 1 - Emissions will I get different climate results ? ===
The selection of a emission path variable in the emission chart has no effect to the Magicc run. The emission chart is just for your information.
 

=== Can I run multiple emission scenarios at the same time? ===
You can do multiple selection of emission scenarios in the '''scenario select''' box on '''Tab 1 - Emissions'''. The procedure is dependent to your OS / browser. For Windows users: hold CTRL while selecting scenarios with the mouse or hold SHIFT to select a range of scenarios.

The multiple scenario selection will result in several tasks in ''Tab 3 - Climate'' that are queued to the users task list. Magicc will process them in sequence.

'''Note''' that multiple selection of scenarios is also available in Bulk Run Mode. This may result in a long term processing queue.
 

=== How can I select multiple climate or carbon cycle settings? ===
Choose a desired climate or carbon cycle setting and switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. The run will be queued. Now return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and choose another desired climate or carbon cycle setting. You can repeat these steps as often as desired. If you choose an already-processed setting accidentally Magicc will not process that setting again. You get a message in the console (What is the console?) that the configuration has been skipped.
 

=== How can I compare the same emission scenario for two different climate settings? ===
Choose a desired climate or carbon cycle setting and switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. The run will be queued. Now return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and choose another desired climate or carbon cycle setting. You can repeat these steps as often as desired.
 

=== How can I change only the climate sensitivity or other parameters? ===
Return to '''Tab 2 - Model Settings''' and change only desired parameters. Once you switch to '''Tab 3 - Climate''' the forms of Tab 1 and Tab 2 will be evaluated and only if changes were made Magicc will be executed.
 

=== Why is the carbon cycle setting important when I want to know about the climate ? ===
 The carbon cycle is important as it determines the CO2 concentrations that result from CO2 emission pathways. There is some uncertainty on that link. The coupled carbon-cycle climate model MAGICC includes a simple terrestrial carbon cycle and oceanic component. You can select various C4MIP model calibrations to get a feeling for the uncertainty and importance of the carbon cycle response. 

=== Where can I see my outputs? ===
You can see your outputs on '''Tab 3 - Climate'''. On the left you will see your individual run list. Checkboxes indicate the already processed runs. By checking / unchecking the checkboxes you select the runs that will be plotted in the chart on the right.
 

=== Can I plot different variables in the same plot? ===
No, that is not possible because different climate variables require different y-axes and units. The variable list is therefore a single select box.
 

=== Can I download the data that live.magicc.org created? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].
 

=== How can I run create GHG concentrations according to the RCP default settings ? ===
 If you choose the DEFAULT settings for both the climate and carbon cycle settings "SINGLERUN", your setting is the same as we used for creating the official RCP GHG concentrations. The reason, why you will get tiny differences in the concentration results (if you were to use the RCP emission pathways) compared to the official recommendations are things like ozone-depleting substance emissions. We had adapted those emissions for each RCP, but use a default emission profile in the background for this web-interface. 

=== How can I share my results with another user? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].
 

=== Why would I want to sign up with a User Account on live.magicc.org? ===
This allows you to resume a session as well as share your results with other users (This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to our [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org]).
 

=== What are the system requirements for participating in live.magicc.org? ===
You need a browser that is able to display our website. We tested our website for IE6, FF4, Opera7. To report a bug for your browser, please see the bug report section(??). You will need JavaScript.
There are no requirements for your processor or any of your hardware since liveMagicc runs on our server.
 

=== How much does it cost? ===
The service is free to use. If you make any use of this work, please cite:

Meinshausen, M., S. C. B. Raper and T. M. L. Wigley (2011). "Emulating coupled atmosphere-ocean and carbon cycle models with a simpler model, MAGICC6: Part I – Model Description and Calibration." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics 11: 1417-1456. doi:[http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/acp-11-1417-2011 10.5194/acp-11-1417-2011]
 

=== How can I save the graphs that I create? ===
This feature is scheduled on high priority. Please, stay tuned to [http://live.magicc.org live.magicc.org].