GPM Ground Validation Rainfall Data from Joss-Waldvogel Disdrometer

Rainfall data collected by a Joss-Waldvogel disdrometer at the National Space Science and Technology Center in Huntsville, Alabama. This dataset supports the Global Precipitation Measurement Mission's ground validation experiments by providing detailed drop size distribution measurements. The instrument is an impact-type electromechanical counter, and data collection may have gaps when the device is deployed to field campaigns.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived precipitation estimates from the GPM mission using ground-based drop size distribution data.
• Analyzing rainfall intensity and amount for specific events at the NSSTC location.
• Studying the microphysical properties of rain, such as droplet size spectra.
• Calibrating or comparing other precipitation measurement instruments against a standard disdrometer.

Strengths

• Data is collected by a specialized Joss-Waldvogel disdrometer, an established instrument for measuring drop size distribution.
• Dataset is part of the NASA-led Global Precipitation Measurement Mission's validation efforts.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData indicates recognized importance for the research community.

Limitations

• Key technical details like row count, file size, and specific column names are unavailable from all sources.
• There is a significant conflict in the 'last updated' date between platforms (2011 vs. 2026), casting doubt on data maintenance.
• The dataset acknowledges occasional gaps when the instrument is removed for field campaigns.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Collected by a Joss-Waldvogel impact-type electromechanical disdrometer.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:24:04.369304

Geography

National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC), Huntsville, AL, USA.