GPM Satellite Radiometer Precipitation Profiles at 12 km Resolution

GPM_2AGPROFF17SSMIS provides Level 2 precipitation profiles from the SSMIS sensor on the DMSP F17 satellite. The dataset is produced by the Goddard Profiling (2AGPROF) algorithm using a Bayesian method to retrieve rain rates and vertical hydrometeor structure from brightness temperature observations. Version 07 is the current operational version, superseding all older releases.

Use Cases

• Analyze retrieved mean rain rate and its uncertainty for global precipitation trend studies.
• Model vertical cloud and precipitation hydrometeor structure using the retrieved profile data.
• Validate and calibrate other precipitation products against the observed brightness temperature (Tb) data.
• Study sensor inter-comparison by using consistent retrievals across the SSMIS, GMI, and AMSR2 sensors listed.
• Assess precipitation variability over a 3-hour coverage period provided by the GPM constellation.

Strengths

• Provides consistent retrievals across multiple satellite sensors (SSMIS, GMI, AMSR2, etc.) for the GPM constellation.
• Algorithm uses a Bayesian method with an a-priori database of rain profiles, designed for parametric consistency.

Limitations

• Specific row count, geographic coverage, and temporal range for the F17 SSMIS product are not provided.
• Ancillary data sources (GANAL, ECMWF) differ between NRT, standard, and climate product versions, affecting cross-version consistency.

Provenance

Source

NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC).

Collection Method

Retrievals from the Goddard Profiling (2AGPROF) algorithm applied to brightness temperature data from the SSMIS radiometer on the DMSP F17 satellite.

Time Range

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Freshness

Data is available in near-real-time (NRT) within 3 hours of collection, with standard products within 48 hours.

Geography

Global coverage from the satellite's orbit.