NOAA's Role in Space-Based Global Precipitation Estimation and Application (2007)

Data Processing/Algorithm Implementation:

• NOAA should leverage off of NASA’s effort on the Precipitation Processing System to develop a parallel joint NOAA-NASA precipitation processing system to be run at NOAA in near real time.

• Develop a prototype global quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) (merged satellite, radar and gauge) that can serve as a “day-1” analysis system when data from GPM become available. Utilize measurements from new networks such as NERON.

R&D:

• Develop advanced multisensor retrieval algorithms, with emphasis on cold-season and orographic precipitation.

• Provide accurate estimates of magnitude of global oceanic precipitation.

Instrumentation:

• Perform GPM risk reduction activities by utilizing TRMM measurements.

• Develop advanced instrumentation to obtain accurate 3-D information

• Utilize testbeds to improve QPE via new instrumentation. and characteristics of precipitation from ground (e.g., polarmetric radars, profilers, disdrometers, etc.).

Applications - NWP (JCSDA):

• Improve assimilation of radiances to produce accurate global moisture and precipitation fields in data assimilation.

• Provide accurate precipitation estimates independent of the data assimilation system for validation and calibration.

• Provide near-real-time accurate estimates of global precipitation over land for assimilation in land data assimilation.

Data Processing/Algorithm Implementation:

• Parallel/joint PPS operated through joint facility similar to JCSDA.

• Integration of in situ data (gauge, radar, other) into regional and global analysis.

• Collect past measurements of precipitation and satellite radiances for as long as possible and process these to give as long, accurate, consistent records as possible.

R&D:

• Continued development of advanced retrieval algorithms to include probabilistic QPE and utilization of cloud microphysics for NWP, flash flood, and climate.

• Establish and carry out on-going reanalyses to produce extended and consistent historical records of precipitation.

Instrumentation:

• Continued utilizations of testbeds.

• Continue to support new technologies and organize into networks (e.g., WSR-88D upgrade to dual-polarization).

• Utilization of GPM measurements along with advanced retrieval techniques to define future NOAA precipitation program/mission (GPM follow-on) and Geo-MW (GOES-R series).

Applications - Climate & NWP (JCSDA):

• Direct assimilation of precipitation estimates in NWP.

• Improve observed and modeled accuracy of tropical precipitation and distribution of latent heat release to improve hurricane, medium-range, monthly, and seasonal forecasts.

• Improve forecasts of precipitation globally, with a short-range focus on the United States.

Data production continues via joint GPM facility, including international partners.

NOAA-wide use of unified QPE.

Evaluate and improve mesoscale quantitative precipitation forecasts through new models capable of incorporating cloud-scale processes.

NOAA operational precipitation mission established—could be POES and/ or GOES.