TRMM Microwave Imager Ocean Products from Wentz V3

Data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) provides measurements of key meteorological parameters over sea surfaces. The sensor is a 5-channel, dual-polarized passive microwave radiometer operating at frequencies of 10.7, 19.4, 21.3, 37, and 85.5 GHz. The dataset is produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Use Cases

• Analyzing precipitation rate over oceans using microwave radiometer data.
• Studying sea surface temperature variability in relation to atmospheric conditions.
• Estimating near-surface wind speed over water bodies from passive microwave emissions.
• Investigating atmospheric water vapor content and its distribution over marine regions.
• Comparing sensor performance and resolution with predecessor instruments like the SSM/I.

Strengths

• Provides higher spatial resolution than its predecessor (SSM/I) due to a lower orbital altitude of 218 miles.
• Measures multiple interrelated ocean-atmosphere variables including precipitation rate, wind speed, water vapor, and sea surface temperature.
• Cross-platform presence on Data.gov and NASA EarthData indicates recognized importance and utility.

Limitations

• Specific temporal coverage, row count, and file size are not provided by any source.
• Sources conflict on the last update date: Data.gov lists 2026-03-12, while NASA EarthData lists 2015-04 03.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

Collection Method

Data gathered by the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI), a satellite-borne passive microwave radiometer.

Time Range

null

Freshness

2026.03.12 (Data.gov), but conflicting with 2015.04.03 (NASA EarthData).

Geography

Global coverage over sea surfaces.