Abstract
Satellite rainfall estimates (SRFE) are a promising alternative for the lack of reliable, densely distributed, precipitation data common in developing countries and remote locations. SRFE may be significantly improved when corrected based on rain gauge data. In the present study the first complete validation of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42-based MERGE product is performed by means of ground truthing and hydrological modeling-based applications. Four distinct, highly anthropogenic watersheds were selected in the Upper Paraíba do Sul River Basin (UPSRB)—Brazil. The results show that when compared to TRMM Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42V7 at the watershed scale, MERGE has a higher correlation with observed data. Likewise, root mean square errors and bias are significantly lower for MERGE products. When hydrologically validated, MERGE-based streamflow simulations have shown the capacity of reproducing the overall hydrological regime with “good” to “very good” results for the downstream lowland sections. Limitations were observed in the hydrological modeling of the upstream, highly anthropogenic, dammed watersheds. However, such limitations may not be attributed to MERGE precipitation since they were also obtained for the individually calibrated rain gauge-based simulations. The results indicate that the used MERGE dataset as a hydrological model input is better suited for application in the UPSRB than the TMPA 3B42V7.
Highlights
Precipitation is constantly referred as the most important water input to the hydrological cycle [1,2,3]as it regulates the renewable water resources distribution and affects many aspects of human, ecological, and economic development [4]
In the present study the MERGE satellite rainfall product was hydrologically validated in four contrasting watersheds in the Upper Paraíba do Sul River Basin (UPSRB) for a period from January 2001 to December 2012
This validation was based on the direct comparison of MERGE with TRMM Multi-Satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) 3B42V7 and rain gauge data at the watershed scale and the hydrological validation of streamflow simulations using the MGB-IPH model
Summary
Precipitation is constantly referred as the most important water input to the hydrological cycle [1,2,3]as it regulates the renewable water resources distribution and affects many aspects of human, ecological, and economic development [4]. Precipitation is constantly referred as the most important water input to the hydrological cycle [1,2,3]. The scarcity and unreliability of precipitation measurements present a challenge to the proper water resources management and engineering [9]. Weather radars and satellite sensors are the main instruments used for measuring precipitation [10]. According to Price et al [11] rain gauges and weather radars are the most adequate data sources for catchment modeling. This superiority may be attributed to their better accuracy, being conventionally used as reference for hydrological applications [12]. The punctual characteristic of rain gauges often limits their ability to represent the spatial structure of precipitation events, especially in complex terrains and tropical regions where precipitation is highly variable [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call