GPM_2AGPROFGCOMW1AMSR2: Global Satellite Precipitation Profiles

Version 07 is the current version of this dataset, superseding all older versions. The dataset provides precipitation and atmospheric water vapor profiles retrieved from the AMSR2 radiometer on the GCOM-W1 satellite, using a Bayesian algorithm to ensure consistency across multiple passive microwave sensors in the GPM constellation. It is produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and includes near-realtime, standard, and climate products differing by data latency and ancillary data sources.

Use Cases

• Modeling global precipitation distribution based on the Bayesian retrieval algorithm described.
• Analyzing vertical cloud and precipitation hydrometeor structure based on the retrieved profiles.
• Conducting climate trend analysis using the consistent, multi-sensor data record mentioned.
• Validating weather forecast models based on the near-realtime (NRT) product data.

Strengths

• Uses a consistent, parametric Bayesian algorithm across multiple satellite sensors.
• Provides three product types (NRT, standard, climate) with defined data latency windows of 3 hours, 48 hours, and 3 months.
• The main strength noted in the description is the large sampling provided by the product.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect temporal or sensor-specific bias inherent to the satellite constellation.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Data retrieved from the AMSR2 radiometer on the GCOM-W1 satellite using the Goddard Profiling (2AGPROF) algorithm.

Time Range

Provides near-realtime (3-hour), standard (48-hour), and climate (3-month) data products.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 13 02:29:49.008470; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage, as suggested by the satellite-based precipitation profiling.