Global Precipitation Measurment: Methods, Datasets and Applications. Atmospheric Research

FRANCISCO TAPIADOR; F.J. TURK; WALT PETERSEN; ARTHUR Y. HOU; EDUARDO GARCÍA-ORTEGA; LUIZ A.T. MACHADO; CARLOS F. ANGELIS; PAOLA SALIO; CHRIS KIDD; GEORGE J. HUFFMAN; MANUEL DE CASTRO

ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH

ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2011 vol. 104 p. 1 - 28

0169-8095

This paper explores the many aspects of precipitation measurement that are relevant to providingan accurate global assessment of this important environmental parameter. Methodsdiscussed include ground data, satellite estimates and numerical models. First, the methodsfor measuring, estimating, and modeling precipitation are discussed. Then, the most relevantdatasets gathering precipitation information from those three sources are presented. Thethird part of the paper illustrates a number of the many applications of those measurementsand databases, namely hydropower, data assimilation and validation of Regional ClimateModels (RCM). The aim of the paper is to organize the many links and feedbacks between precipitationmeasurement, estimation and modeling, indicating the uncertainties and limitationsof each technique in order to identify areas requiring further attention, and to show the limitswithin which datasets can be used. Special emphasis is put on the central role of the upcomingGlobal Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission in precipitation science.