[CF-metadata] species as species in chemical and aerosol names

[Egil Støren]

Hi all,

I am following this discussion somewhat from the sideline, but with a 
growing feeling of uneasiness. If this X_as_Y naming method is accepted, 
then standard names will tend to grow very large. I also think this 
method makes the distinction between physical quantities and units less 
clear. As I see it, "X_as_Y" and "X_as_such" represents the same 
physical quantity, but with different units. I strongly feel that the 
"as_Y" part belongs to the units attribute. For example:

standard_name: mass_flux_of_NO2
units: moles N/m2/s

This will of course need some changes to CF regarding the units attribute.

Best regards,

    Egil Støren
    met.no, Norway


Jonathan Gregory wrote:
> Dear Roy
> 
> Thanks. I note that when you say something is expressed in moles of nitrogen
> you mean moles of nitrogen atoms, to be precise.
> 
> 
>>Does the phrase 'expressed_as' do a better job?
> 
> 
> It does for me, yes. I interpreted X_as_Y as meaning X is what the number
> applies to, but it comes in the form of Y, "as" meaning "in form of" like
> "water as ice". By X_as_Y you and Christiane mean Y is what the number applies
> to, taking "as" to mean "expressed as". So it would be better to have
> expressed_as, I would say, or any neater alternative if someone has one to
> suggest.
> 
> Is it going to be OK to have names like mass_flux_of_ammonium_expressed_as_such
> do you think? Is there a better way to say that?
> 
> Cheers
> 
> Jonathan
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