GPM PR on TRMM Spectral Latent Heating: Monthly 0.5 Degree Grids

Version 07 is the current version of this data set, superseding older versions. It provides monthly 0.5 degree x 0.5 degree grids of latent heating profiles derived from TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) information, covering latitudes from 67S to 67N. The data is produced by NASA's GES DISC and uses lookup tables from numerical simulations to estimate vertical heating profiles for convective, shallow stratiform, and anvil rain types.

Use Cases

• Modeling atmospheric latent heating profiles based on precipitation type and intensity.
• Analyzing differences between shallow and deep convection using precipitation depth information.
• Studying tropical rainfall distribution and cloud system dynamics from satellite radar data.
• Validating cloud-resolving model simulations with observed precipitation-top height data.

Strengths

• Version 07 is the definitive current version, superseding all older data.
• Provides a 0.5 degree x 0.5 degree spatial grid for detailed analysis.
• Coverage spans 67S to 67N latitudes, encompassing most tropical and subtropical regions.
• Algorithm distinguishes heating profiles for three specific rain types: convective, shallow stratiform, and anvil rain.

Limitations

• The SLH algorithm is severely limited by the inherent sensitivity of the TRMM PR.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Areas beyond ±40 degrees of latitude are padded with empty grid cells, reducing data utility in those regions.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived from TRMM PR information using lookup tables from numerical simulations of tropical cloud systems.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 01:57:07.314682; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage from 67S to 67N latitudes.