# GDEX Exchange

The `exchange` space is intended for sharing datasets that are not yet publication-ready but that users would like to make available to collaborators or the broader community.

This space is ideal for:

- Early-stage or evolving datasets
- Community sharing and collaboration
- Temporary hosting prior to formal publication
- Data associated with active projects or experiments

## Storage Limits

Each user may deposit up to **10 TB** of data in the Exchange space accross all projects.

## Data Retention Policy

Data stored in the Exchange space is temporary.

Datasets and directories in this space will be automatically removed **2 years after creation**.

If your dataset is ready for long-term preservation and publication, please submit a formal data publication request here:

[Submit Data Request](https://gdex.ucar.edu/resources/submit-data/)

## Dataset Metadata via README.md

You may place a `README.md` file inside any dataset subdirectory.

If present, GDEX will automatically read the following Markdown headers:

- `# Title`
- `# Description`

These fields may be displayed on the GDEX website to help users discover and understand your dataset.

Example:

```markdown
# Example Atmospheric Dataset

The first header as seen above will be displayed as the title for the project.

# Description
A collection of preliminary atmospheric measurements collected during the 2026 field campaign.