GPM GPROF: Climate-based Satellite Precipitation Profiles from METOP-B

Version 07 climate-referenced precipitation data from the GPM mission's METOP-B MHS radiometer. The dataset provides precipitation profiles and related atmospheric fields using a Bayesian retrieval algorithm and consistent ECMWF reanalysis ancillary data for long-term climate studies. It is produced by NASA's Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Use Cases

• Climate trend analysis based on consistent, climate-referenced precipitation retrievals
• Validation of atmospheric and climate models using Bayesian-derived precipitation profiles
• Studying global precipitation patterns and water vapor distribution based on satellite constellation data
• Assessing precipitation uncertainty using the algorithm's provided uncertainty estimates

Strengths

• Provides a consistent climate data record using homogeneous ECMWF reanalysis ancillary data
• Utilizes a parametric Bayesian algorithm suitable for a multi-sensor satellite constellation approach
• Delivers vertical structure of cloud and precipitation hydrometeors alongside mean rain rates

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Satellite remote sensing data from the METOP-B MHS radiometer, processed with the GPROF (GPM Profiling) algorithm.

Time Range

The description suggests a climate time series, but specific start and end dates are not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 13 02:17:43.669527; freshness should be verified

Geography

Global coverage, as implied by the GPM mission's goal of achieving bulk 3-hour global coverage.