GPM_3GPROFF16SSMIS_CLIM: Global Monthly Precipitation from SSMIS Satellite Radiometer

Global gridded monthly precipitation averages derived from the SSMIS microwave sensor on the F16 satellite, processed using the GPROF algorithm. The data is a climate-reference product from NASA, using homogeneous ECMWF-Interim reanalysis for ancillary atmospheric conditions to ensure consistency for long-term studies. Version 07 is the current version, with older versions superseded.

Use Cases

• Conduct climate trend analysis based on global, gridded monthly precipitation averages.
• Validate atmospheric models using climate-reference precipitation retrievals from microwave sensors.
• Study the sensitivity of precipitation to liquid and ice-phase hydrometeors based on the GPROF algorithm's methodology.

Strengths

• Data is a climate-reference product designed for homogeneous time-series analysis.
• Based on high-quality microwave sensor retrievals sensitive to precipitation hydrometeors.
• Current version is V07, superseding older versions for consistency.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and spatial/temporal resolution specifics beyond 'monthly' and '0.25 degree' are not detailed in the provided metadata.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) via the GES DISC.

Collection Method

Retrievals from the SSMIS microwave sensor on the F16 satellite, processed with the GPROF algorithm using ECMWF-Interim reanalysis for ancillary data.

Time Range

Monthly averages; specific date range is not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 02:15:30.468518; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Global coverage at a 0.25 degree x 0.25 degree grid resolution.