TRMM_3H25: Monthly Global Latent Heating Profiles

TRMM_3H25 is a Level 3 monthly dataset providing spectral latent heating profiles derived from Precipitation Radar (PR) rain data. It produces 0.5 degree x 0.5 degree gridded estimates of latent heating (Q1-QR) and apparent heat source (Q2) profiles. This data is used to study cloud dynamics, atmospheric energy budgets, and the role of latent heat in weather and climate systems.

Use Cases

• Analyzing the vertical structure of latent heat release in convective systems based on Q1-QR and Q2 profiles.
• Mapping global patterns of atmospheric heating from precipitation processes at a 0.5-degree resolution.
• Validating and improving parameterizations of latent heating in weather and climate models.
• Investigating the relationship between precipitation characteristics and associated cloud dynamics.

Strengths

• Data is produced by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), indicating authoritative provenance.
• Provides a long-term, consistent monthly record for climate-scale analysis.
• Cross-platform presence on datagov and NASA EarthData signals established importance and accessibility.

Limitations

• Conflicting last-updated dates: datagov lists 2026, while NASA EarthData lists 2015, creating uncertainty about data freshness.
• Column names and detailed data structure are not provided in any source, limiting precise understanding of the dataset's composition.
• Specific row counts, file sizes, and detailed license terms are unavailable.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and and Space Administration

Collection Method

Derived from TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) Precipitation Radar (PR) rain data.

Time Range

Monthly temporal resolution; specific start and end dates are not provided.

Freshness

Most recent update reported is 2026-04 09 on datagov, but conflicts with an older 2015 date from another source.

Geography

Global coverage at a 0.5 degree x 0.5 degree spatial resolution.