GPM Satellite Validation Precipitation Reanalysis from Multi-Radar System

NASA's reanalysis dataset provides precipitation rate, type, and quality control estimates specifically adapted for validating satellite observations. The data integrates inputs from the NOAA MRMS system, including WSR-88D radar, RAP model analysis, and gauge data over North America. It covers a period from March 2014 through October 2018.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived precipitation rates from missions like GPM using ground-based radar and gauge-corrected estimates.
• Analyzing precipitation type classification (e.g., rain, snow, mixed) across North America for climatological studies.
• Assessing the quality and uncertainty of multi-sensor precipitation products via included quality control flags.
• Applying precipitation corrective factors to improve the accuracy of other radar-based precipitation datasets.

Strengths

• Data fusion from multiple authoritative sources: NOAA WSR-88D radar network, RAP model fields, and gauge observations.
• Specific post-processing for satellite validation purposes, differentiating it from standard operational MRMS products.
• Provides a multi-year record from March 2, 2014, to October 30, 2018, for longitudinal analysis.

Limitations

• Key metadata conflicts exist: the 'last updated' date differs significantly between Data.gov (2026) and NASA Earthdata (2018).
• Specific column names, row counts, and total dataset size are not provided by any source.
• Data is restricted to North American geography and the specific 2014-2018 time period.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), utilizing the NOAA MRMS System.

Collection Method

Created by ingesting and post-processing Weather Surveillance Radar 88 Doppler (WSR-88D) data, Rapid Update Cycle (RAP) model analysis fields, and gauge data.

Time Range

March 2, 2014 through October 30, 2018

Freshness

2026-03-13 02:22:06.311724

Geography

North America