04-01-2011: EC-Earth: A seamless prediction system in action, W. Hazeleger et al, Bulletin of American Meteorological Society
http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/abs/10.1175/2010BAMS2877.1

In a recent paper in BAMS we publish the project, the consortium and the model EC-Earth. EC-Earth is a state-of-the-art climate model based on ECMWFs seasonal forecast system. We present a seamless prediction strategy in which numerical weather forecasting strategies and climate predictions and projections are linked. The strategy of model development is illustrated by upgrading EC-Earth using both new model cycles of ECMWF and by including new earth system components developed at universities and institutions. We show that the coupled model performs well compared to CMIP3 models, in particular the atmospheric states. We also indicate that the slight changes that we implemented to get stable radiation balance did not affect the medium range weather forecasting capabilities. An example of a new snow scheme that is developed in the EC-Earth framework and that is now implemented in the ECMWF model is shown. The model is used for climate research and generating climate projections and predictions.