Evaluation of TRMM multi-satellite precipitation analysis (TMPA) in a mountainous region of the central Andes range with a Mediterranean climate

2013 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Mabel Castro ◽  
Marcelo Miranda ◽  
Bonifacio Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Climate ◽  
Regional Analysis ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
Local Analysis ◽  
Mountainous Region ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Satellite Precipitation ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Rain Gauges ◽  
Precipitation Analysis

Estimating the spatial variability of precipitation for hydrological purposes is a challenge, especially in mountainous regions with sparse rain gauges. This study assessed the use of the satellite product Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) for the rainfall estimation at the local and regional level, on a daily and monthly basis. The evaluation was carried out in a mountainous region of the central Andes Range with a Mediterranean climate. The performance of the satellite estimation was carried out using categorical metrics, residual methods, and correlation and efficiency measures. The local analysis showed that TMPA product performance was better for rainfall events of medium magnitude. Regional analysis results suggest that TMPA products are able to capture the mean spatial pattern for flat areas on a monthly basis. However, the intercomparison in the mountains is likely not reliable, because there are not enough rain gauges to enable a spatial comparison in this area. The satellite estimates also tend to miss precipitation that is enhanced by flow lifting over the mountains. Moreover, the low performance is because the precipitation in the study site is predominantly produced by frontal mechanisms, where the ice content is also lower than that from convective origin.

scholarly journals Evaluation of TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) performance in the Central Andes region and its dependency on spatial and temporal resolution

2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 2649-2663 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. M. Scheel ◽  
M. Rohrer ◽  
Ch. Huggel ◽  
D. Santos Villar ◽  
E. Silvestre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Temporal Resolution ◽  
Daily Precipitation ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
Base Line ◽  
La Paz ◽  
Processing Scheme ◽  
Peruvian Andes ◽  
Satellite Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Analysis

Abstract. Climate time series are of major importance for base line studies for climate change impact and adaptation projects. However, for instance, in mountain regions and in developing countries there exist significant gaps in ground based climate records in space and time. Specifically, in the Peruvian Andes spatially and temporally coherent precipitation information is a prerequisite for ongoing climate change adaptation projects in the fields of water resources, disasters and food security. The present work aims at evaluating the ability of Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) to estimate precipitation rates at daily 0.25° × 0.25° scale in the Central Andes and the dependency of the estimate performance on changing spatial and temporal resolution. Comparison of the TMPA product with gauge measurements in the regions of Cuzco, Peru and La Paz, Bolivia were carried out and analysed statistically. Large biases are identified in both investigation areas in the estimation of daily precipitation amounts. The occurrence of strong precipitation events was well assessed, but their intensities were underestimated. TMPA estimates for La Paz show high false alarm ratio. The dependency of the TMPA estimate quality with changing resolution was analysed by comparisons of 1-, 7-, 15- and 30-day sums for Cuzco, Peru. The correlation of TMPA estimates with ground data increases strongly and almost linearly with temporal aggregation. The spatial aggregation to 0.5°, 0.75° and 1° grid box averaged precipitation and its comparison to gauge data of the same areas revealed no significant change in correlation coefficients and estimate performance. In order to profit from the TMPA combination product on a daily basis, a procedure to blend it with daily precipitation gauge measurements is proposed. Different sources of errors and uncertainties introduced by the sensors, sensor-specific algorithm aspects and the TMPA processing scheme are discussed. This study reveals the possibilities and restrictions of the use of TMPA estimates in the Central Andes and should assist other researchers in the choice of the best resolution-accuracy relationship according to requirements of their applications.

scholarly journals Evaluation of TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis during the passage of Tropical Cyclones over Fiji

2016 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 442
Author(s):  
Anil Deo ◽  
Kevin J. E. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Cyclones ◽  
Rainfall Intensity ◽  
Daily Rainfall ◽  
Disaster Mitigation ◽  
Intensity Increase ◽  
Reference Dataset ◽  
Satellite Precipitation ◽  
Rain Gauges ◽  
Precipitation Analysis ◽  
Terrain Elevation

Fiji is prone to the devastating effects of heavy rainfall during the passage of tropical cyclones (TCs) and as such accurate measurement of rainfall during such events is urgent for effective disaster mitigation and risk analysis. Fiji, however, has a sparse distribution of rain gauges, thus there is a deficiency in the accurate measurement of rainfall. This gap could be filled by satellite-based rainfall estimates but before they are used, they need to be validated against a reference dataset for their accuracy and limitations. This study thus validates the TRMM based Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) estimates over the island of Fiji. The study shows that TMPA has moderate skill in estimating rainfall during the passage of TCs over the island of Fiji. This skill is also highly variable as it decreases with an increase in rainfall intensity, increase in distance from the cyclone centre and increasing terrain elevation. The ability of TMPA also varies case by case but we report a general underestimation of rainfall by TMPA during the passage of TCs with a larger rainfall rate (defined in our case as those TCs with average daily rainfall greater than 25 mm day-1).

scholarly journals Evaluation of TRMM Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) performance in the Central Andes region and its dependency on spatial and temporal resolution

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 8545-8586 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. M. Scheel ◽  
M. Rohrer ◽  
C. Huggel ◽  
D. Santos Villar ◽  
E. Silvestre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Temporal Resolution ◽  
Daily Precipitation ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
Base Line ◽  
La Paz ◽  
Processing Scheme ◽  
Peruvian Andes ◽  
Satellite Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Analysis

Abstract. Climate time series are of major importance for base line studies for climate change impact and adaptation projects. However, in mountain regions and in developing countries there exist significant gaps in ground based climate records in space and time. Specifically, in the Peruvian Andes spatially and temporally coherent precipitation information is a prerequisite for ongoing climate change adaptation projects in the fields of water resources, disasters and food security. The present work aims at evaluating the ability of Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) to estimate precipitation rates at daily 0.25° × 0.25° scale in the Central Andes and the dependency of the estimate performance on changing spatial and temporal resolution. Comparison of the TMPA product with gauge measurements in the regions of Cuzco, Peru and La Paz, Bolivia were carried out and analysed statistically. Large biases are identified in both investigation areas in the estimation of daily precipitation amounts. The occurrence of strong precipitation events was well assessed, but their intensities were underestimated. TMPA estimates for La Paz show high false alarm ratio. The dependency of the TMPA estimate quality with changing resolution was analysed by comparisons of 1-, 7-, 15- and 30-day sums for Cuzco, Peru. The correlation of TMPA estimates with ground data increases strongly and almost linearly with temporal aggregation. The spatial aggregation to 0.5°, 0.75° and 1° grid box averaged precipitation and its comparison to gauge data of the same areas revealed no significant change in correlation coefficients and estimate performance. In order to profit from the TMPA combination product on a daily basis, a procedure to blend it with daily precipitation gauge measurements is proposed. Different sources of errors and uncertainties introduced by the sensors, sensor-specific algorithm aspects and the TMPA processing scheme are discussed. This study reveals the possibilities and restrictions of the use of TMPA estimates in the Central Andes and should assist other researchers in the choice of the best resolution-accuracy relationship according to requirements of their applications.

scholarly journals Modelación de Crecidas Aluvionales en la Cuenca del Río Copiapó, Chile

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Valdés-Pineda ◽  
Juan B. Valdés ◽  
Pablo García-Chevesich
Keyword(s):  
Mass Movement ◽  
Satellite Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Analysis ◽  
Del Rio ◽  
Movement Simulation ◽  
Rapid Mass

<p class="Resumen">Los eventos extremos de precipitación intensa que se produjeron entre el 24 y 26 de marzo de 2015 en la región del Desierto de Atacama (26-29°S), en el Norte de Chile, dejaron alrededor de 30 000 damnificados, siendo uno de los eventos de mayores magnitudes de los últimos 50 años, y que tuvo un costo de reconstrucción de alrededor de $1.5 billones de dólares. Los flujos de detritos que se incrementaron durante la crecida inundaron gran parte de las ciudades de Copiapó y Tierra Amarilla. Este manuscrito tiene por objetivo modelar la crecida aluvional de marzo de 2015 en la cuenca del Río Copiapó, específicamente en las localidades de Copiapó y Tierra Amarilla. La modelación se lleva a cabo utilizando el modelo Rapid Mass Movement Simulation (RAMMS) que permite modelar la dinámica de la crecida aluvional en dos dimensiones, utilizando las características topográficas de los dominios de modelación. La calibración del modelo fue llevada a cabo satisfactoriamente utilizando datos de alturas capturados en terreno después de la crecida del año 2015. Un análisis detallado del evento hidrometeorológico es llevado a cabo utilizando imágenes satelitales obtenidas desde Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA), así como datos pluviométricos e hidrográficos disponibles en la cuenca del Río Copiapó. La simulación de la crecida es reproducida con mapas de alturas de inundación asociados a dos escenarios de modelación. Las alturas máximas de inundación son finalmente utilizadas para el desarrollo de mapas de riesgos en ambas localidades. De acuerdo a nuestros resultados, el modelo RAMMS es una herramienta apropiada para modelar crecidas aluvionales y elaborar mapas de riesgos de inundación para mejorar la gestión de riesgos hidrológicos en cuencas áridas y semiáridas de Chile.</p>

scholarly journals Applicability and Hydrologic Substitutability of TMPA Satellite Precipitation Product in the Feilaixia Catchment, China

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1803
Author(s):  
Xiaoli Chen ◽  
Guoru Huang
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Swat Model ◽  
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
High Latitudes ◽  
Climate Trends ◽  
Runoff Simulation ◽  
Satellite Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Analysis ◽  
Water Assessment

The assessment of various precipitation products’ performances in extreme climatic conditions has become a topic of interest. However, little attention has been paid to the hydrological substitutability of these products. The objective of this study is to explore the performance of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) product in the Feilaixia catchment, China. To assess its applicability in extreme consecutive climates, several statistical indices are adopted to evaluate the TMPA performance both qualitatively and quantitatively. The Cox–Stuart test is used to investigate extreme climate trends. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model is used to test the TMPA hydrological substitutability via three scenarios of runoff simulation. The results demonstrate that the overall TMPA performance is acceptable, except at high-latitudes and locations where the terrain changes greatly. Moreover, the accuracy of the SWAT model is high both in the semi-substitution and full-substitution scenarios. Based on the results, the TMPA product is a useful substitute for the gauged precipitation in obtaining acceptable hydrologic process information in areas where gauged sites are sparse or non-existent. The TMPA product is satisfactory in predicting the runoff process. Overall, it must be used with caution, especially at high latitudes and altitudes.

scholarly journals Dataset on raindrop size distribution, raindrop fall velocity and precipitation data measured by disdrometers and rain gauges over Peruvian central Andes (12.0°S)

Data in Brief ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 105215
Author(s):  
Jairo M. Valdivia ◽  
Kevin Contreras ◽  
Daniel Martinez-Castro ◽  
Elver Villalobos-Puma ◽  
Luis F. Suarez-Salas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Size Distribution ◽  
Central Andes ◽  
Precipitation Data ◽  
Fall Velocity ◽  
Rain Gauges ◽  
Raindrop Size Distribution ◽  
Raindrop Size

scholarly journals Validation of the First Years of GPM Operation over Cyprus

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrianos Retalis ◽  
Dimitris Katsanos ◽  
Filippos Tymvios ◽  
Silas Michaelides
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Weather Prediction ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Rain Gauges ◽  
Precipitation Measurement ◽  
Precipitation Estimates ◽  
First Results ◽  
Global Precipitation Measurement ◽  
Global Precipitation

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) high-resolution product is validated against rain gauges over the island of Cyprus for a three-year period, starting from April 2014. The precipitation estimates are available in both high temporal (half hourly) and spatial (10 km) resolution and combine data from all passive microwave instruments in the GPM constellation. The comparison performed is twofold: first the GPM data are compared with the precipitation measurements on a monthly basis and then the comparison focuses on extreme events, recorded throughout the first 3 years of GPM’s operation. The validation is based on ground data from a dense and reliable network of rain gauges, also available in high temporal (hourly) resolution. The first results show very good correlation regarding monthly values; however, the correspondence of GPM in extreme precipitation varies from “no correlation” to “high correlation”, depending on case. This study aims to verify the GPM rain estimates, since such a high-resolution dataset has numerous applications, including the assimilation in numerical weather prediction models and the study of flash floods with hydrological models.

scholarly journals Validation of IMERG Precipitation in Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 2817-2825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin K. Dezfuli ◽  
Charles M. Ichoku ◽  
George J. Huffman ◽  
Karen I. Mohr ◽  
John S. Selker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
East Africa ◽  
Annual Cycle ◽  
Lake Victoria ◽  
Mountainous Regions ◽  
Meteorological Observatory ◽  
Precipitation Analysis ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Short Rains ◽  
Good Agreement

Abstract Understanding of hydroclimatic processes in Africa has been hindered by the lack of in situ precipitation measurements. Satellite-based observations, in particular, the TRMM Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) have been pivotal to filling this void. The recently released Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) project aims to continue the legacy of its predecessor, TMPA, and provide higher-resolution data. Here, IMERG-V04A precipitation data are validated using in situ observations from the Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory (TAHMO) project. Various evaluation measures are examined over a select number of stations in West and East Africa. In addition, continent-wide comparisons are made between IMERG and TMPA. The results show that the performance of the satellite-based products varies by season, region, and the evaluation statistics. The precipitation diurnal cycle is relatively better captured by IMERG than TMPA. Both products exhibit a better agreement with gauge data in East Africa and humid West Africa than in the southern Sahel. However, a clear advantage for IMERG is not apparent in detecting the annual cycle. Although all gridded products used here reasonably capture the annual cycle, some differences are evident during the short rains in East Africa. Direct comparison between IMERG and TMPA over the entire continent reveals that the similarity between the two products is also regionally heterogeneous. Except for Zimbabwe and Madagascar, where both satellite-based observations present a good agreement, the two products generally have their largest differences over mountainous regions. IMERG seems to have achieved a reduction in the positive bias evident in TMPA over Lake Victoria.

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