MSC GEM (Global Environmental Multiscale model) Development version. Used in forecast and assimilation modes. (forecast +12 to +36, 9 steps for surface data, forecast +12 to +36, 3 steps for profiles ) 800x600 grid 0.45 degree longitude 0.30 degree latitude 900s timestep 58 vertical levels ISBA land surface scheme 22 types of vegetation specified from USGS 1-km global database ISBA land surface scheme 11 types of soil (STATSGO) in conterminous US and 3 types of soil in the rest of the world Locations and Characteristics