TRMM_2A23: Rain Type Classification from Space Radar

TRMM Precipitation Radar 2A23 data provides rain/no-rain flags and classifies precipitation into stratiform, convective, and other types using vertical profile and horizontal pattern methods. The radar operates at 13.8 GHz, measuring 3-D rainfall distribution over land and ocean with a swath width of 215 km (pre-boost) or 247 km (post-boost). This dataset is a precursor to the newer GPM_2APR format.

Use Cases

• Detecting the melting layer (bright band) for stratiform rain studies
• Classifying rain type (stratiform, convective, other) for storm analysis
• Identifying warm rain processes in tropical systems
• Analyzing 3-D rainfall distribution over both land and ocean

Strengths

• Provides a unified rain type classification from two distinct analysis methods (V-method and H-method)
• Offers high-resolution horizontal data (4.3 km pre-boost, 5.0 km post-boost)
• Has a long operational time range with documented changes in instrument parameters

Limitations

• Specific column names and dataset size are unknown
• Metadata conflicts exist: last updated dates differ (2026-04-09 vs 2015-04-01)
• The dataset is superseded by a newer version (GPM_2APR) in a different format

Provenance

Source

GES_DISC

Collection Method

Data collected by the TRMM Precipitation Radar, an electronically scanning spaceborne instrument.

Time Range

From TRMM mission start until superseded by GPM, with a documented change in parameters on August 24, 2001.

Freshness

2026-04-09 21:39:23.217276

Geography

Global, with measurements over both land and ocean.