The Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) Combined Precipitation Dataset

The Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) has released the GPCP Version 1 Combined Precipitation Data Set, a global, monthly precipitation dataset covering the period July 1987 through December 1995. The primary product in the dataset is a merged analysis incorporating precipitation estimates from low-orbit-satellite microwave data, geosynchronous-orbit-satellite infrared data, and rain gauge observations. The dataset also contains the individual input fields, a combination of the microwave and infrared satellite estimates, and error estimates for each field. The data are provided on 2.5° × 2.5° latitude–longitude global grids. Preliminary analyses show general agreement with prior studies of global precipitation and extends prior studies of El Niño–Southern Oscillation precipitation patterns. At the regional scale there are systematic differences with standard climatologies.