Validation of TRMM standard algorithms & prospects for GPM Mission (Invited Presentation)

The primary TRMM standard precipitation algorithms are evaluated for consistency and degree of equivalence with one another, as well as intercompared to ground validation radar rainfall at four main ground radar sites. Results indicate that the current accuracies of the TRMM Version 6 algorithms are within 15% at zonal-averaged / monthly scales with precisions of approximately 25% for full resolution / instantaneous rain rate estimates (i.e., level 2 retrievals). The degree of convergence of level 2 TRMM algorithms is being used as a guide for setting validation requirements for the next generation precipitation mission, i.e., the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission. Details concerning the Version 6 TRMM algorithm validation analysis and prospects for the GPM mission’s validation program are presented.