Difference between "TS" and "TREFHT" variables in CAM

[Morvenko]

Hi everyone,
As an oceanographer I am not familar with all the atmospheric variables and the differences between all the different parameters. I am looking for surface air temperature in NorESM2-MM (which is called "tas" in CMIP6 repository).

What is the difference between TS='Surface temperature (radiative)' and "TREFHT"='Reference height temperature'?

Thanks in advance!

[gold2718]

I believe that tas comes from the CAM variable, TREFHT. It is computed by the mediator (as is TS) so the information originates in the surface (except for some CAM nudged runs).

[Morvenko]

Thank you for the quick reply!

[oyvindseland]

TREFHT is the estimated temperature (T reference height) at 2 meter, i.e. comparable with thermometers.
TS is the temperature at the boundary (skin) between the atmosphere and other model components.
If the atmospheric grid square consists of 100 % ocean then TS = SST
tas=TREFHT
ts=TS