ECMWF data is usually produced in GRIB format. Older parameters are usually in GRIB1, while more recent parameters and all new parameters are produced in GRIB2.
Trajectory forecasts (tropical cyclones) and time series data are produced in BUFR format.
Data retrieved from MARS can be retrieved in GRIB or NetCDF format. Data disseminated via ECPDS cannot be delivered in alternative formats or converted. Grib1/grib2 data delivered by ECPDS can be separated into separate feeds in the PREd or upon request if you do not have access.
We recommend using ecCodes to manipulate and decode the data. **link to eccodes**
Is the format information always with the dataset lists in the various catalogues?? Unfortunately not. In fact, it is VERY hard to find this information - something we hope to deal with in the future.
How to convert from GRIB1 to GRIB2? Do we want a line of code example or refer to ecCodes documentation?