NASA GPCP Project: Global Precipitation Estimates from 1931-1995
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Description
Multiple gridded global precipitation datasets are preserved, including the Arkin and Janowiak GPI infrared-based monthly rainfall estimates on a 2.5-degree grid from 40°N to 40°S for 1986-1995. The collection also contains the Jaeger Surface Rain Gauge Observations for 1931-1960 over continents and 1955-1965 over oceans, and the Legates Surface and Shipboard Rain Gauge Observations climatology derived from 24,635 terrestrial stations and 2,223 oceanic gridpoints. These datasets were developed under the NASA Global Precipitation Climatology Project.
Use Cases
Analyzing long-term global precipitation trends based on the multi-decade time ranges described.
Calibrating modern satellite precipitation products using the historical gauge and infrared estimates mentioned.
Studiating regional rainfall climatologies based on the global 2.5-degree gridded data.
Assessing bias corrections for gauge measurements based on the described error estimation procedures for wind, wetting, and evaporation losses.
Strengths
Combines multiple long-term data sources, with records spanning from 1931 to 1995.
Includes both satellite-derived infrared estimates and surface-based gauge observations for cross-validation.
The Legates dataset applies a correction procedure for known gauge underestimation errors.
Limitations
Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
The data is described as archived, with more advanced replacement products recommended.
Provenance
Source
NASA Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP).
Collection Method
Gridding of infrared satellite observations and surface/shipboard rain gauge measurements.
Time Range
Primary datasets cover 1986-1995 (satellite) and 1931-1965 (gauge).
Freshness
Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.
Geography
Global coverage, with specific latitude bounds (40°N to 40°S) for the satellite product.
Data is archived and available upon request; a newer GPCP product under the MEaSUREs project is recommended as a replacement.