Queensland Future Climate Dataset - Downscaled CMIP5 climate projections for RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 

Dynamically downscaled high-resolution (~10 km spatial resolution) climate change projection data for Queensland. Downscaling was completed using CSIRO Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) for two RCPs (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) from 11 CMIP5 global coarse resolution models for period 1980-2099. The Queensland Future Climate Dashboard (www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/qld-future-climate/ ) provides easy access to climate projection for Queensland. The dashboard allows users to explore, visualize and download the latest high-resolution climate modelling data for specific regions, catchments, disaster areas, local government areas and grid squares. Underlying data is provided via TERN for easy access for each of 11 downscaled models. The Queensland Future Climate Dataset provides high resolution data for over 30 different metrics grouped in six climate themes: (i) Mean Climate; (ii) Heatwaves; (iii) Extreme Temperature Indices; (iv) Extreme Precipitation Indices; (v) Droughts; and (vi) Floods. In addition selected variables at daily and monthly intervals are also available. 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Marcus Thatcher and Jack Katzfey from CSIRO Ocean and Atmosphere provided access to the CSIRO Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model and associated data-sets. Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and the Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF) provided access to data storage and assisted with publication of data. Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy (Q-CAS) lead by the Department of Environment and Science provided financial support for modelling and data preparation. 

High-resolution climate change projection data for Queensland is provided to support the implementation of Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy (https://www.treasury.qld.gov.au/policies-and-programs/climate/climate-adaptation-strategy/). A subset of daily, monthly and seasonally averaged for selected climate variables is provided in netcdf format. In addition underlying data for the interactive Queensland Future Climate Dashboard (https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/qld-future-climate/) is provided for the mean climate (rainfall, temperature, solar radiation, windspeed, relative humidity and pan evaporation), heatwaves, climate extreme indices and SPI drought and flood. 

School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland and the Science Division from the Department of Environment and Sciences (DES) developed a comprehensive set of high resolution climate change projections for Queensland to underpin the Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy (Q-CAS). A set of high-resolution climate change projections for RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 using CSIRO CCAM climate model. Eleven CMIP5 models were downscaled to a 50 km global resolution for 1950-2099 using bias corrected SSTs from global models. Subsequently projection at 10 km resolution were completed with CCAM stretched over Queensland region. These simulations were the first CMIP5 downscaled climate projections in Australia and consists of a large ensemble with continuous simulations for 1980 to 2099.