GPM AMSR-2 Climate-based Radiometer Precipitation Profiles: 10 km Resolution

NASA's GPM_2AGPROFGCOMW1AMSR2_CLIM dataset provides Level 2A precipitation profiles from the AMSR-2 radiometer on the GCOM-W1 satellite. The data uses a Bayesian retrieval algorithm (GPROF) with climate-homogeneous ECMWF reanalysis ancillary data to ensure consistency for long-term records. Version 07 is the current operational version, superseding all older data.

Use Cases

• Climate trend analysis based on the use of homogeneous ancillary data designed for climate time series.
• Precipitation profile retrieval based on the Bayesian GPROF algorithm using simulated brightness temperatures.
• Inter-sensor consistency validation based on the parametric method applied across the GPM constellation of passive microwave sensors.
• Hydrometeor vertical structure study based on retrieved profiles of cloud and precipitation particles.

Strengths

• Provides large spatial sampling as described in the input description.
• Uses a consistent, parametric Bayesian algorithm (GPROF) across multiple satellite sensors.
• Climate-Reference product designed for homogeneous long-term records using ECMWF reanalysis.
• Current version is V07, with older versions superseded and unavailable.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and total dataset size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The ancillary data (ECMWF-Interim) has a 2-3 month lag behind regular production, as noted in the description.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) via the GES DISC.

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the AMSR-2 radiometer on the GCOM-W1 satellite, processed with the GPROF algorithm.

Time Range

Time series data with a 1.5-hour temporal resolution for the product.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:29:57.843746; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage at a 10 km spatial resolution.