scholarly journals Ground Validation and Error Sources Identification for GPM IMERG Product over the Southeast Coastal Regions of China

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 4154
Author(s):  
Xinxin Sui ◽  
Zhi Li ◽  
Ziqiang Ma ◽  
Jintao Xu ◽  
Siyu Zhu ◽  
...  

The Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for the Global Precipitation Measurement mission (IMERG) has been widely evaluated. However, most of these studies focus on the ultimate merged satellite-gauge precipitation estimate and neglect the valuable intermediate estimates which directly guide the improvement of the IMERG product. This research aims to identify the error sources of the latest IMERG version 6 by evaluating the intermediate and ultimate precipitation estimates, and further examine the influences of regional topography and surface type on these errors. Results show that among six passive microwave (PMW) sensors, the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) has outstanding comprehensive behavior, and Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) operates advanced at precipitation detection, while the Sounder for Atmospheric Profiling of Humidity in the Intertropics by Radiometry (SAPHIR) has the worst performance. More precipitation events are detected with larger quantitative uncertainty in low-lying places than in highlands, in urban and water body areas than in other places, and more in coastal areas than in inland regions. Infrared (IR) estimate has worse performance than PMW, and the precipitation detectability of IR is more sensitive to the factors of elevation and the distance to the coast, as larger critical successful index (CSI) over lowlands and coastal areas. PMW morphing and the mixing of PMW and IR algorithms partly reverse the conservative feature of the precipitation detection of PMW and IR estimates, resulting in higher probability of detection (POD) and false alert ratio (FAR). Finally, monthly gauge calibration improves most of the statistical indicators and reduces the influence of elevation and surface type factor on these errors.

Author(s):  
Lisa Milani ◽  
Mark S. Kulie ◽  
Daniele Casella ◽  
Pierre E. Kirstetter ◽  
Giulia Panegrossi ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study focuses on the ability of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) passive microwave sensors to detect and provide quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) for extreme lake-effect snowfall events over the United States lower Great Lakes region. GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) high frequency channels can clearly detect intense shallow convective snowfall events. However, GMI Goddard PROfiling (GPROF) QPE retrievals produce inconsistent results when compared against the Multi-Radar/Multi-Sensor (MRMS) ground-based radar reference dataset. While GPROF retrievals adequately capture intense snowfall rates and spatial patterns of one event, GPROF systematically underestimates intense snowfall rates in another event. Furthermore, GPROF produces abundant light snowfall rates that do not conform with MRMS observations. Ad-hoc precipitation rate thresholds are suggested to partially mitigate GPROF’s overproduction of light snowfall rates. The sensitivity and retrieval efficiency of GPROF to key parameters (2-meter temperature, total precipitable water, and background surface type) used to constrain the GPROF a-priori retrieval database are investigated. Results demonstrate that typical lake-effect snow environmental and surface conditions, especially coastal surfaces, are underpopulated in the database and adversely affect GPROF retrievals. For the two presented case studies, using snow cover a-priori database in the locations of originally deemed as coastline improves retrieval. This study suggests that it is particularly important to have more accurate GPROF surface classifications and better representativeness of the a-priori databases to improve intense lake-effect snow detection and retrieval performance.


2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 1902-1921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji-Hye Kim ◽  
Mi-Lim Ou ◽  
Jun-Dong Park ◽  
Kenneth R. Morris ◽  
Mathew R. Schwaller ◽  
...  

Abstract Since 2009, the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) has participated in ground validation (GV) projects through international partnerships within the framework of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission. The goal of this work is to assess the reliability of ground-based measurements in the Korean Peninsula as a means for validating precipitation products retrieved from satellite microwave sensors, with an emphasis on East Asian precipitation. KMA has a well-developed operational weather service infrastructure composed of meteorological radars, a dense rain gauge network, and automated weather stations. Measurements from these systems, including data from four ground-based radars (GRs), were combined with satellite data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) and used as a proxy for GPM GV over the Korean Peninsula. A time series of mean reflectivity differences (GR − PR) for stratiform-only and above-brightband-only data showed that the time-averaged difference fell between −2.0 and +1.0 dBZ for the four GRs used in this study. Site-specific adjustments for these relative mean biases were applied to GR reflectivities, and detailed statistical comparisons of reflectivity and rain rate between PR and bias-adjusted GR were carried out. In rain-rate comparisons, surface rain from the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and the rain gauges were added and the results varied according to rain type. Bias correction has had a positive effect on GR rain rate comparing with PR and gauge rain rates. This study confirmed advance preparation for GPM GV system was optimized on the Korean Peninsula using the official framework.


2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 153-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Dong-Jun Seo ◽  
David Kitzmiller ◽  
Haksu Lee ◽  
Robert J. Kuligowski ◽  
...  

Abstract This paper assesses the accuracy of satellite quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs) from two versions of the Self-Calibrating Multivariate Precipitation Retrieval (SCaMPR) algorithm relative to that of gridded gauge-only QPEs. The second version of SCaMPR uses the QPEs from Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar and Microwave Imager as predictands whereas the first version does not. The assessments were conducted for 22 catchments in Texas and Louisiana against National Weather Service operational multisensor QPE. Particular attention was given to the density below which SCaMPR QPEs outperform gauge-only QPEs and effects of TRMM ingest. Analyses indicate that SCaMPR QPEs can be competitive in terms of correlation and CSI against sparse gauge networks (with less than one gauge per 3200–12 000 km2) and over 1–3-h scale, but their relative strengths diminish with temporal aggregation. In addition, the major advantage of SCaMPR QPEs is its relatively low false alarm rates, whereas gauge-only QPEs exhibit better skill in detecting rainfall—though the detection skill of SCaMPR QPEs tends to improve at higher rainfall thresholds. Moreover, it was found that ingesting TRMM QPEs help mitigate the positive overall bias in SCaMPR QPEs, and improve the detection of moderate–heavy and particularly wintertime precipitation. Yet, it also tends to elevate the false alarm rate, and its impacts on detection rates can be slightly negative for summertime storms. The implications for adoption of TRMM and Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) QPEs for NWS operations are discussed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (10) ◽  
pp. 2225-2245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mircea Grecu ◽  
William S. Olson ◽  
Stephen Joseph Munchak ◽  
Sarah Ringerud ◽  
Liang Liao ◽  
...  

AbstractIn this paper, the operational Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission combined radar–radiometer algorithm is thoroughly described. The operational combined algorithm is designed to reduce uncertainties in GPM Core Observatory precipitation estimates by effectively integrating complementary information from the GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) into an optimal, physically consistent precipitation product. Although similar in many respects to previously developed combined algorithms, the GPM combined algorithm has several unique features that are specifically designed to meet the GPM objectives of deriving, based on GPM Core Observatory information, accurate and physically consistent precipitation estimates from multiple spaceborne instruments, and ancillary environmental data from reanalyses. The algorithm features an optimal estimation framework based on a statistical formulation of the Gauss–Newton method, a parameterization for the nonuniform distribution of precipitation within the radar fields of view, a methodology to detect and account for multiple scattering in Ka-band DPR observations, and a statistical deconvolution technique that allows for an efficient sequential incorporation of radiometer information into DPR precipitation retrievals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 705-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yalei You ◽  
Veljko Petkovic ◽  
Jackson Tan ◽  
Rachael Kroodsma ◽  
Wesley Berg ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study assesses the level-2 precipitation estimates from 10 radiometers relative to Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Ku-band precipitation radar (KuPR) in two parts. First, nine sensors—four imagers [Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) and three Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounders (SSMISs)] and five sounders [Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) and four Microwave Humidity Sounders (MHSs)]—are evaluated over the 65°S–65°N region. Over ocean, imagers outperform sounders, primarily due to the usage of low-frequency channels. Furthermore, AMSR2 is clearly superior to SSMISs, likely due to the finer footprint size. Over land all sensors perform similarly except the noticeably worse performance from ATMS and SSMIS-F17. Second, we include the Sondeur Atmospherique du Profil d’Humidite Intertropicale par Radiometrie (SAPHIR) into the evaluation process, contrasting it against other sensors in the SAPHIR latitudes (30°S–30°N). SAPHIR has a slightly worse detection capability than other sounders over ocean but comparable detection performance to MHSs over land. The intensity estimates from SAPHIR show a larger normalized root-mean-square-error over both land and ocean, likely because only 183.3-GHz channels are available. Currently, imagers are preferred to sounders when level-2 estimates are incorporated into level-3 products. Our results suggest a sensor-specific priority order. Over ocean, this study indicates a priority order of AMSR2, SSMISs, MHSs and ATMS, and SAPHIR. Over land, SSMIS-F17, ATMS and SAPHIR should be given a lower priority than the other sensors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 1907-1923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abishek Adhikari ◽  
Chuntao Liu ◽  
Lindsey Hayden

Abstract The uncertainties in the version 5 Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) precipitation retrievals are evaluated via comparison with the radar–radiometer (so-called “Combined”) retrievals between 40°S and 40°N. Results show the precipitation estimates are close (~7% GMI overestimation) globally. However, some specific regions, such as central Africa, the Amazon, the Himalayan region, and the tropical eastern Pacific, show a large overestimation (up to 50%) in GMI retrievals when compared to Combined retrievals. The uncertainties are further evaluated based on precipitation system properties, such as size and intensity of the system. GMI tends to underestimate precipitation volume when the system is relatively warm (>250 K) and small (<200 km2) due to the lack of ice scattering signatures. However, for large systems (>2000 km2), GMI-derived precipitation is typically higher than Combined over all surfaces. Based on the system properties, a simple bias correction methodology is proposed to implement in the Goddard Profiling Algorithm (GPROF) to reduce GMI biases. GMI precipitation volume is adjusted in each precipitation system based on the size and minimum 89 GHz polarization-corrected temperature (PCT) over land and ocean separately. The overall GMI bias is reduced to 3%, with significant improvement over land. The GMI biases (up to 50%) over the previously mentioned regions are significantly or partially removed, becoming less than 20%. This method also shows effectiveness in removing zonal and seasonal biases from GMI estimates. These results suggest the importance of utilizing the information of whole precipitation systems instead of individual pixels in the precipitation retrieval.


2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abebe Sine Gebregiorgis ◽  
Pierre-Emmanuel Kirstetter ◽  
Yang E. Hong ◽  
Nicholas J. Carr ◽  
Jonathan J. Gourley ◽  
...  

Abstract The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) has provided the global community a widely used multisatellite (and multisensor type) estimate of quasi-global precipitation. One of the TMPA level-3 products, 3B42RT/TMPA-RT (where RT indicates real time), is a merged product of microwave (MW) and infrared (IR) precipitation estimates, which attempts to exploit the most desirable aspects of both types of sensors, namely, quality rainfall estimation and spatiotemporal resolution. This study extensively and systematically evaluates multisatellite precipitation errors by tracking the sensor-specific error sources and quantifying the biases originating from multiple sensors. High-resolution, ground-based radar precipitation estimates from the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system, developed by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), are utilized as reference data. The analysis procedure involves segregating the grid precipitation estimate as a function of sensor source, decomposing the bias, and then quantifying the error contribution per grid. The results of this study reveal that while all three aspects of detection (i.e., hit, missed-rain, and false-rain biases) contribute to the total bias associated with IR precipitation estimates, overestimation bias (positive hit bias) and missed precipitation are the dominant error sources for MW precipitation estimates. Considering only MW sensors, the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) shows the largest missed-rain and overestimation biases (nearly double that of the other MW estimates) per grid box during the summer and winter seasons. The Special Sensor Microwave Imagers/Sounders (SSMIS on board F17 and F16) also show major error during winter and spring, respectively.


2005 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 909-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hirohiko Masunaga ◽  
Christian D. Kummerow

Abstract A methodology to analyze precipitation profiles using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) and precipitation radar (PR) is proposed. Rainfall profiles are retrieved from PR measurements, defined as the best-fit solution selected from precalculated profiles by cloud-resolving models (CRMs), under explicitly defined assumptions of drop size distribution (DSD) and ice hydrometeor models. The PR path-integrated attenuation (PIA), where available, is further used to adjust DSD in a manner that is similar to the PR operational algorithm. Combined with the TMI-retrieved nonraining geophysical parameters, the three-dimensional structure of the geophysical parameters is obtained across the satellite-observed domains. Microwave brightness temperatures are then computed for a comparison with TMI observations to examine if the radar-retrieved rainfall is consistent in the radiometric measurement space. The inconsistency in microwave brightness temperatures is reduced by iterating the retrieval procedure with updated assumptions of the DSD and ice-density models. The proposed methodology is expected to refine the a priori rain profile database and error models for use by parametric passive microwave algorithms, aimed at the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission, as well as a future TRMM algorithms.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Bogerd ◽  
Hidde Leijnse ◽  
Aart Overeem ◽  
Remko Uijlenhoet

<p>The Global Precipitation Measurement mission (GPM) is one of the recent efforts to provide satellite-based global precipitation estimates. The GPM Profiling Algorithm (GPROF) converts microwave radiation measured by passive microwave (PMW) sensors onboard constellation satellites into precipitation. Over land, precipitation estimates are obtained from high frequency PMW-channels that measure the radiance scattered by ice particles in rain clouds. However, due to the limited scattering related to shallow and light precipitation, it is challenging to distinguish these signals from background radiation that is naturally emitted from the Earth’s surface.</p><p>Increased understanding of the physical processes during precipitation events can be used to improve PMW-based precipitation retrievals. This study couples overpasses of GPM radiometers over the Netherlands to two dual-polarization radars from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). The Netherlands is an ideal setting for this study due to the availability of high-quality ground-based measurements, the frequent occurrence of shallow events, the absence of ground-clutter related to mountains, and the varying background emission related to its coastal location.</p><p>The coupling of overpasses with ground-based precipitation radars provides the opportunity to relate GPROFs performance to physical characteristics of precipitation events, such as the vertical reflectivity profile and dual-polarization information on the melting layer. Furthermore, simultaneous radiometer estimates and space-based reflectivity profiles from the dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) onboard the GPM core satellite are coupled to the ground-based reflectivity profiles for selected case studies. Because the a-priori database implemented in the GPROF algorithm is based on observations from the DPR, the comparison of the reflectivity profiles further unravels discrepancies between GPROF and ground-based estimates.</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco J. Tapiador ◽  
Andrés Navarro ◽  
Eduardo García-Ortega ◽  
Andrés Merino ◽  
José Luis Sánchez ◽  
...  

AbstractAfter 5 years in orbit, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission has produced enough quality-controlled data to allow the first validation of their precipitation estimates over Spain. High-quality gauge data from the meteorological network of the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) are used here to validate Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) level 3 estimates of surface precipitation. While aggregated values compare notably well, some differences are found in specific locations. The research investigates the sources of these discrepancies, which are found to be primarily related to the underestimation of orographic precipitation in the IMERG satellite products, as well as to the number of available gauges in the GPCC gauges used for calibrating IMERG. It is shown that IMERG provides suboptimal performance in poorly instrumented areas but that the estimate improves greatly when at least one rain gauge is available for the calibration process. A main, generally applicable conclusion from this research is that the IMERG satellite-derived estimates of precipitation are more useful (r2 > 0.80) for hydrology than interpolated fields of rain gauge measurements when at least one gauge is available for calibrating the satellite product. If no rain gauges were used, the results are still useful but with decreased mean performance (r2 ≈ 0.65). Such figures, however, are greatly improved if no coastal areas are included in the comparison. Removing them is a minor issue in terms of hydrologic impacts, as most rivers in Spain have their sources far from the coast.


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