Validation of satellite derived rainfall estimates over Kenya
Abstract
162 words
Precipitation is one of the major components of the earth’s
climate system. Many countries in the tropics depend on rainfall
for the agricultural and hydrological activities which are dominant
in their economies. Rainfall information is a crucial aspect not
only for sustainable social-economic development of many
countries but also for study of atmospheric circulations, climate
analysis and global energy balance. Hence it is important to
use reliable and accurate rainfall data in any planning. This
study aims at validating satellite-derived rainfall estimates
retrieved from TRMM’s monthly rainfall retrieval algorithm,
(3B-43 algorithm), over Kenya. The study analyzes eleven years
of monthly rainfall estimates (1998-2008) produced by Tropical
Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)’s 3B-43 algorithm and
compares them with gridded monthly rainfall totals from 26
synoptic and Agrometeorological stations in Kenya for the same
period. Preliminary results suggest that satellite rainfall estimates
can be modeled to represent areal rainfall in areas with
inadequate ground based rainfall observations, especially over
Northwestern, Northern, Northeastern and Southern Kenya.
Subjects
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