TRMM_2A54UW: Ground Radar Rain Type Maps for Four Validation Sites
Updated 3mo ago
1filesAPPLICATION/VND.MS-PKISTL
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Description
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.
File format is listed as APPLICATION/VND.MS-PKISTL, which may require specific tools for access and processing.