GPM SSMIS F17: Climate-Referenced Satellite Precipitation Profiles

Version 07 climate-reference precipitation data from the GPM mission's SSMIS sensor on the DMSP F17 satellite. The dataset uses a Bayesian-type GPROF algorithm to retrieve mean rain rates and vertical hydrometeor profiles, with ancillary data from ECMWF-Interim reanalysis for climate consistency. It is produced by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and last updated in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Climate trend analysis based on the homogeneous, climate-referenced ancillary data.
• Precipitation profile retrieval based on the Bayesian algorithm using simulated brightness temperatures.
• Sensor inter-comparison studies based on the consistent methodology applied across the GPM constellation of passive microwave sensors.
• Uncertainty quantification in rainfall estimates based on the provided uncertainty fields for rain rates and hydrometeors.

Strengths

• Provides climate-consistent data records using ECMWF-Interim reanalysis as ancillary data.
• Employs a parametric Bayesian algorithm suitable for a multi-sensor satellite constellation approach.
• Retrieves multiple science fields including mean rain rate, vertical hydrometeor structure, and their uncertainties.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and spatial/temporal extents are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect the geographic and temporal sampling bias inherent to the SSMIS sensor's orbit.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Collection Method

Retrieved via the GPROF algorithm from passive microwave brightness temperatures measured by the SSMIS sensor on the DMSP F17 satellite.

Time Range

Time series intended for climate analysis; specific range is not provided.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03 13.

Geography

Global coverage from the satellite's orbit; specific spatial resolution is 12 km.