BOREAS: Merged Satellite and Gauge Precipitation Grid

A gridded precipitation dataset combines rain gauge network measurements with SSM/I satellite image estimates over the BOREAS hydro-meteorological study region. It provides hourly precipitation data covering 122 consecutive days beginning on June 1, 1996. The dataset is intended for analyzing boreal forest hydrometeorology.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-based precipitation estimates using ground-based rain gauge data.
• Analyzing hourly precipitation dynamics over a boreal forest region.
• Studying hydro-meteorological processes during the BOREAS field campaign period.
• Calibrating hydrological models with spatially gridded precipitation inputs.

Strengths

• Combines two complementary data sources: a rain gauge network and SSM/I satellite imagery.
• Provides high temporal resolution with hourly data over a 122-day period.
• Has cross-platform presence on datagov and nasa_earthdata, indicating established use.

Limitations

• Column names and specific data structure are not provided in any source.
• Conflicting metadata: last updated dates range from 1996 to 2026 across platforms.
• Limited temporal coverage to a single season (June–September 1996).

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Merged from a rain gauge network and SSM/I satellite image estimates.

Time Range

June 1, 1996, to September 30, 1996 (122 consecutive days).

Freshness

2026-03-13 (from datagov), though the underlying data is from 1996.

Geography

BOREAS (Boreal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study) hydro-meteorological study region.