GPM Radiometer Precipitation Profiles from Suomi-NPP ATMS

Version 07 data from the Goddard Profiling (2AGPROF) algorithm retrieves precipitation profiles from the Suomi-NPP ATMS sensor. The algorithm uses a Bayesian method with an a-priori database to provide mean rain rate and vertical structure of cloud and precipitation hydrometeors. This product is part of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission constellation data processed by the GES DISC.

Use Cases

• Analyzing mean rain rate and precipitation uncertainty fields for global storm tracking.
• Studying the vertical structure of cloud and precipitation hydrometeors for atmospheric process research.
• Validating climate and weather models using retrieved brightness temperature (Tb) proximity metrics.
• Producing consistent long-term precipitation records by comparing standard products using GANAL analysis with climate products using ECMWF reanalysis.

Strengths

• Provides consistent precipitation retrievals across a constellation of 10 partner passive microwave sensors.
• Algorithm is parametric and well-suited for the GPM constellation approach, using a unified a-priori database.

Limitations

• Specific spatial resolution (16 km), temporal resolution (1.5 hours), and row count are not provided in the available metadata.
• Earlier mission data required for climate consistency may be archived separately, complicating seamless long-term analysis.

Provenance

Source

Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Collection Method

Retrieval via the Bayesian-type 2AGPROF algorithm applied to brightness temperature observations from the Suomi-NPP ATMS radiometer.

Time Range

Temporal coverage is ongoing as part of the GPM mission; specific start date is not provided.

Freshness

Data is available in near-real-time (within 3 hours), standard (within 48 hours), and climate (within 3 months) product streams.

Geography

Global coverage achieved by the GPM satellite constellation.