Status of satellite precipitation retrievals

Abstract

Satellites offer an unrivalled vantage point to observe and measure Earth system processes and parameters. Precipitation (rain and snow) in particular, benefit from such observations since precipitation is spatially and temporally highly variable and with satellites overcoming some of the deficiencies of conventional gauge and radar measurements. This paper provides an overall review of quantitative precipitation estimation, covering the basis of the satellite systems used in the observation of precipitation, the dissemination and processing of this data, and the generation, availability and validation of these precipitation estimates. A selection of applications utilising these precipitation estimates are then outlined to exemplify the utility of such products. © Author(s) 2011.