The Explore2-2022 climate projections dataset for impact studies over France

Area of Science:

• Climate Science
• Environmental Science
• Hydrology

Background:

• Climate change impacts on water resources necessitate reliable regional projections.
• Existing climate ensembles may require downscaling and bias correction for local impact studies.
• France requires tailored climate data to support national adaptation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce a bias-corrected regional climate projection dataset for mainland France.
• To support studies on climate change impacts, particularly on water resources.
• To provide a manageable ensemble for exploring climate variability and uncertainty.

Main Methods:

• Sub-sampling from the EURO-CORDEX (EUR11) ensemble.
• Bias correction using ADAMONT and CDF-t methods.
• Selection of GCM/RCM couples consistent with CMIP6 projections.
• Inclusion of multiple greenhouse gas emission scenarios (RCP 2.6, 4.5, 8.5).

Main Results:

• A dataset of 10 climate variables at daily resolution is available.
• The dataset allows characterization of uncertainty sources (scenarios, models, bias correction).
• Narrative approaches and contrasting scenarios are provided for user guidance.
• The dataset supports hydrological modeling and climate impact indicator calculations.

Conclusions:

• The Explore2 dataset provides a robust tool for climate change impact assessment in France.
• It facilitates the exploration of diverse climate futures and adaptation pathways.
• The dataset adheres to FAIR Data Principles, ensuring transparency and reusability.