A comparison of the First View of GPM with Ground Radar and NWCSAF CRPh over Continental Spain

Abstract

The first, preliminary, data from the Global Precipitation Measurement Core Satellite illustrate the potential of this spacecraft for science and societal applications. Here we show a glimpse on the first overpasses over Spain. The DPR measurements and the GMI estimates area qualitatively compared with Ground Radar (GR) measurements from the National Radar Network of Spain (PPI); with EUMESAT NWCSAF Convective Rainfall Rate from Cloud Physical Properties (CRPh, based on VIS and IR: day-only product); and with Meteosat imagery (HRV and 10.8 mm IR channels from MSG). Notwithstanding the provisional character of the data and all the applicable caveats and isclaimers, both the GPM radar and the radiometer provide precipitation estimates that are remarkably close to ground radar observations. This is specially noticeable for the GMI, as the estimates used here come from the original, day-1 database. Also CRPh product shows a good behavior in all cases. The adequacy of using GPM data to calibrate/validate the NWCSAF CRPh product is being studied.