GPM DPR Spectral Latent Heating Profiles for Tropics and Mid-Latitudes

Version 6B of these data were introduced in July, 2020. The dataset contains three-dimensional convective latent heating profiles retrieved from GPM DPR KuPR precipitation observations. Latent heating variables are retrieved utilizing separate algorithms for tropics and mid-latitudes, based on monthly maps of precipitation types.

Use Cases

• Analyzing convective latent heating profiles based on retrieved Q1-QR (Q1R) and Q2 variables.
• Comparing tropical and mid-latitude precipitation processes based on region-specific retrieval algorithms.
• Studying atmospheric heat sources and moisture sinks based on Yanai et al. (1973) framework.
• Investigating radiative heating of the atmosphere based on QR variable.

Strengths

• Data is produced by NASA, a highly authoritative source.
• Algorithmically separates tropical and mid-latitude precipitation types.
• Version 6B was released in July 2020, indicating iterative improvement.

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 geographic bias inherent to satellite coverage.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Retrieved from precipitation data observed from GPM DPR (KuPR).

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:08:05.973787; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global, with separate processing for tropics and mid-latitudes.