GPCP Pentad v1: Global Precipitation Rates, 1986-1995

Global precipitation rates are provided for 5-day (pentad) periods from 1986 to 1995. The data is a merged product derived from rain gauge measurements and satellite rainfall estimates. Original data at 2.5-degree resolution was re-gridded to a 1-degree spatial resolution for the ISLSCP II period.

Use Cases

• Analyzing global precipitation climatology based on merged rain gauge and satellite data.
• Validating hydrological or climate models using a consistent, long-term precipitation record.
• Studying interannual variability and trends in rainfall during the 1986-1995 period.

Strengths

• Provides a 10-year continuous record from 1986 to 1995.
• Integrates two data sources: measured rain gauge data and satellite rainfall estimates.
• Offers a global spatial coverage at a 1-degree resolution.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low; column names and exact row/size counts are unknown.
• There is a conflict in reported 'last updated' dates between platforms (1995 vs. 2026).
• The dataset is a portion of the full GPCP pentad version 1 record, not the complete time series.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Derived from measured rain gauge data merged with satellite estimates of rainfall.

Time Range

1986 to 1995

Freshness

2026-04-10 02:04:39.698669

Geography

Global