GPM Ground Validation Basic Radar Products and Implications for Observation Strategies

Abstract

Recommendations are made for NASA/JAXA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite Ground Validation (GV) program. This report details recommended GV site local radar products based on data from surface-based scanning radars including S-band, C-band, and X-band polarimetric and non-polarimetric radars. Three general categories of products are described: text products summarizing information on the statistical characteristics of the radar data and derived parameters, 2D products providing maps of the horizontal variability of near surface radar observed and derived parameters, and 3D products describing volumetric echo structure. Regional composites could include products based on several of the 2D and 3D single radar products. Several types of time-integrated 2D and 3D products are also recommended. A brief discussion of useful ancillary data from other sources and remaining challenges concludes the report.