CMIP6 Model Output Requirements, paragraph 12, states that:
The values and order of the labels stored in these auxiliary variables should be consistent with the lists specified by “requested” in the data request’s grids section and in the CMIP6_coordinate.json file.
This implies that the order was intended to matter, even if CMOR and PREPARE don't insist. However, if people have been publishing data with arbitrary orders, the least disruptive option may be to advise users to check the (rather than assume a specific order) and review for CMIP7.
CMIP6 Model Output Requirements, paragraph 12, states that:
The values and order of the labels stored in these auxiliary variables should be consistent with the lists specified by “requested” in the data request’s grids section and in the CMIP6_coordinate.json file.
This implies that the order was intended to matter, even if CMOR and PREPARE don't insist. However, if people have been publishing data with arbitrary orders, the least disruptive option may be to advise users to check the (rather than assume a specific order) and review for CMIP7.
See #401