simulations according to the standard NOCES protocols. A minimal set of requirements is imposed to simplify and accelerate the set-up of the required simulations. The interannual simulations will be carried out during the period 1948-2002. There are no restrictions on the biological and carbon models that are used in these simulations, other than that they must be prognostic. For instance, the diagnostic, nutrient-restoring approaches (e.g., that used in OCMIP-2) is not appropriate for interannual studies and should not be used by any participants.