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Satellite precipitation bias estimation and correction using in situ observations and climatology isohyets for the MENA region

May 26, 2023

The availability of reliable gridded precipitation datasets is limited around the world, especially in arid regions. In this study, we utilized observations from satellite-based precipitation data and in situ rain gauge observations to determine a suitable precipitation dataset in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. First, we evaluated seven different precipitation products using rain gauge observations. The validation was conducted at the daily, monthly, and annual time scales. Results indicated a weaker correlation between in situ rain gauge observation and satellite precipitation data at the daily time step (r: 0.02 to 0.44), mainly due to the lack of range in precipitation distribution. However, the agreement between precipitation estimates and in situ gauge observations improved at monthly (r: 0.02 to 0.66) and annual time scales (r: −0.22 to 0.57), indicating greater reliability of satellite-based precipitation at monthly and annual time scales. Based on the results and dataset availability, the Multi-Source Weighted-Ensemble Precipitation (MSWEP) was deemed suitable to create a bias-corrected new precipitation dataset for the MENA region. This study highlights the benefits of an adjusted regional precipitation product for hydrologic applications in the MENA region, such as streamflow or runoff estimation, to improve the reliability of the model outputs.

Publication Year 2023
Title Satellite precipitation bias estimation and correction using in situ observations and climatology isohyets for the MENA region
DOI 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2023.105010
Authors Stefanie Kagone, Naga Manohar Velpuri, Kul Bikram Khand, Gabriel B. Senay, Michael R. Van der Valk, Daniel J. Goode, Salam Abu Hantash, Thair M. Al-Momani, Nanor Momejian, Jack R. Eggleston
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Arid Environments
Index ID 70243974
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
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