TRMM_2A54UW: Ground Radar Rain Type Maps for Four Validation Sites

Instantaneous rain type classification grids from ground-based radar at four primary sites: Darwin, Australia; Houston, Texas; Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Melbourne, Florida. The data is part of the University of Washington TRMM Ground Validation products, providing quality-controlled convective-stratiform maps for comparison with satellite observations. Values are 0 (no echo), 1 (stratiform), and 2 (convective), with a spatial range from 17 km to 150 km.

Use Cases

• Validate TRMM satellite precipitation estimates based on ground radar rain type classifications.
• Study the spatial distribution of convective versus stratiform rainfall events based on the categorical maps.
• Analyze precipitation microphysics and storm structure using data from the four primary ground validation sites.
• Compare rain type characteristics across different geographic regions (e.g., tropical vs. subtropical).

Strengths

• Data is quality-controlled as part of the TRMM Ground Validation effort.
• Provides specific rain type classifications (0, 1, 2) for direct analysis.
• Covers four distinct geographic validation sites, allowing for regional comparison.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• The description notes that in the netCDF files, 'z_spacing' has no meaning, which could cause confusion.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Collected from ground-based radar, rain gauges, and disdrometers at validation sites, then processed into cartesian grids.

Time Range

null

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-13 20:29:03.851307; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Four primary sites: Darwin, Australia; Houston, Texas; Kwajalein, Republic of the Marshall Islands; Melbourne, Florida. Additional effort at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.