The NMM Model schema is used to describe how the codebase and its component(s) are actually configured when a model/job/simulation/experiment (however you call it) is run. That is, the NMM Model schema describes an instance of the codebase/component(s).

It is envisioned that the scientist would create a NMM Model XML file, most likely using a tool to automatically create it while, or after, the run is in process. The automatic process would 'capture' the required elements of the codebase and components being used and all the settings and values used to create the model.  This provides other researchers a better understanding of the provenance of the model data output. Ideally the NMM Model XML file would be submitted to the data centre with the model output data as part of the data description.

• a unique ID for the model
• Information Properties
  general information about the model such as name, description of why it was run, contact, documentation, history etc
• Technical Properties
  general information about the computer on which the model was compiled/run
• Numerical Properties
  information on horizontal, vertical and time schemes used in the model
• Science Properties
  information on the configuration and settings/values of the science parameters
• Input/Output Properties
  information on initial/restart files, boundary conditions etc

See the following for the structure of the schema:

See the following for a graphical depiction of the structure of the schema: