Scratch Space Policy

Scratch Space Policy

The /scratch space is a shared space only for temporary usage and is not meant for persistent storage. Make sure you are familiar with the following policy to ensure that you do not lose data. 

Scratch Space

Please be aware that /scratch is not meant to be used for persistent storage, and as such, is not backed up. Do not store files on /scratch. Please transfer any needed data to persistent storage (e.g., /work directory) as soon as possible. The /scratch space is a shared resource and is meant for temporary storage only. Leaving unattended data on /scratch after your jobs are done running is considered irresponsible use of /scratch space, and puts the data to be at the risk of data loss.

All files on /scratch will be purged during the monthly maintenance window (the first Tuesday of the month) to ensure that adequate storage is available for all users. Please do not leave any important data on /scratch.

Please use the /work space for larger storage use. If you need to expand the amount of storage that you have available in /work, please submit a Storage Space Extension Request. RC also has archival storage options available for data that is not actively being used.

• There are limits on storage and file count (inodes) on /scratch. Currently, these limits are 20TB for storage and 20 million files (inodes) per user. Note that individual directory storage quotas and inode quotas on /scratch can change and are set up by RC team according to the Northeastern University research community’s current usage on /scratch.
  

   

• Any misuse of the /scratch space can result in suspension or possible revocation of your account pending a review by the RC team and the Research Computing Advisory Committee.

If you have any questions, please drop by Research Computing Office Hours or Schedule a Consultation.