GPM_2ADPR: Dual-Frequency Radar Precipitation Profiles

Global precipitation data is provided by the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) on the core Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) spacecraft. The dataset contains three main product classes: Ku-band-derived precipitation over a 245 km swath, Ka-band-derived precipitation over a 125 km swath, and dual-frequency-derived precipitation over the narrower swath. Retrievals are performed at each radar range bin along the instrument's slant path.

Use Cases

• Analyzing precipitation vertical structure based on radar range bin retrievals.
• Comparing single-frequency (Ku or Ka-band) and dual-frequency precipitation estimates.
• Validating weather and climate models using satellite-derived global precipitation profiles.
• Studying light precipitation and snowfall using the Ka-band's high-sensitivity mode estimates.

Strengths

• Provides a current, version-controlled data product (Version 07), superseding older versions.
• Offers multiple measurement perspectives via distinct Ku-band (245 km) and Ka-band (125 km) swaths.
• Enables advanced precipitation analysis through matched-beam, dual-frequency retrievals.

Limitations

• Key metadata such as row count, file size, and last update date are missing or inconsistent across sources.
• The specific data columns and their structure are not described in the available metadata.
• Access requires obtaining AWS credentials, adding a step to the data retrieval process.

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC (NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center)

Collection Method

Satellite observation from the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instrument on the GPM core spacecraft.

Geography

Global