Evaluation of high-resolution precipitation estimate over the Amazon Basin

Abstract

Using rainfall data from S-band radar measurements, the estimative of the rainfall from the 3B42_V6 algorithm was evaluated for the region of the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission and Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (TRMM-LBA) experiment, which was conducted in the Amazon Basin during the 1999 rainy season. The algorithm correctly represented the diurnal rainfall cycle, but underestimated overall precipitation rates by about 50%. It adequately represented most of the stratiform (convective) rainfall during the break (active) phase of the South American Monsoon System (SAMS). Thus, some uncertainties, as well as the algorithm applicability for the region and period studied, were demonstrated. © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society.