TRMM_1B21: Satellite Radar Power and Reflectivity Measurements

TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) Level 1B data provides calibrated received power and reflectivity measurements from the first spaceborne precipitation radar. The dataset includes detailed calibration information based on internal system models, temperature sensors, and external Active Radar Calibrator checks performed every two months. Measurements cover both land and ocean, with spatial and temporal resolutions that changed after the satellite orbit boost on August 24, 2001.

Use Cases

• Analyzing three-dimensional rainfall distribution over land and ocean based on radar reflectivity measurements.
• Monitoring changes in satellite radar system gain using bi-monthly Active Radar Calibrator (ARC) checks.
• Studying precipitation layer depth defined by the radar's vertical profiling capability.
• Comparing pre- and post-boost horizontal resolution (4.3 km vs. 5.0 km) for climate data continuity studies.
• Evaluating potential bias errors in received power due to non-Rayleigh fading signal characteristics.

Strengths

• Includes detailed calibration methodology using internal system models, temperature sensors, and an external Active Radar Calibrator.
• Provides explicit pre- and post-boost resolution specifications (swath width: 215 km vs. 247 km, horizontal resolution: 4.3 km vs. 5.0 km).
• Dataset is hosted on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata and Data.gov), indicating established importance and accessibility.

Limitations

• Column names and dataset size (rows, file size) are not provided on any platform, limiting understanding of data structure and volume.
• Conflicting 'last updated' dates exist (2026-04-09 and 2015-04-01), casting uncertainty on metadata freshness.
• The license is ambiguously listed as 'other-license-specified' or 'None', requiring further investigation for reuse.

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC (Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center)

Collection Method

Data collected by the TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) satellite instrument, processed through Level 1B calibration algorithms.

Time Range

Coverage spans the TRMM satellite mission, with a key instrument change documented on August 24, 2001.

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:39:19.938806

Geography

Global coverage over both land and ocean.