A combined microwave/infrared algorithm for estimating rainfall during the GPCP

Abstract

The paper presents results of a satellite algorithm intercomparison of monthly precipitation, which was organized by the World Climate Research Program's Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP). Special attention is given to the techniques used in the projects and the type of data provided in the study (mainly by Japan's GMS visible and IR sensors and the USA's Special Sensor Microwave/Imager). The results of rainfall estimates obtained by Negri et al. (1994) and Adler and Negri (1988) techniques are compared with estimates made with the threshold technique of Arkin (1979, 1983). Results obtained by various techniques are presented for both the instantaneous estimates and for total rain accumulations over an area including Japan for a 24-hr period on June 22, 1989.