UPDATE ON THE TRMM MULTI-SATELLITE PRECIPITATION ANALYSIS AND PROSPECTS FOR GLOBAL ANALYSIS

The structure of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) algorithm is briefly summarized, together with some current issues that the authors plan to address. In particular, we outline a possible approach to constructing fully global precipitation estimates by developing a scaled cloud volume algorithm that works on satellite sounding retrievals at all latitudes, including polar regions. DESIGN GOALS Recognizing that satellites provide the only practical means of estimating precipitation over most parts of the globe, and that the available inventory of high-quality (passive microwave) precipitation-related satellite sensors has been increasing over the last decade, the authors have been developing the TMPA with several design goals: 1) We wish to use as much satellite-based precipitation data as possible. 2) At the same time, we recognize that, although absolute calibration is presently not possible, a stable intercalibration standard is essential. This supports another goal of 3) minimizing changes in the statistical character of the TMPA data record in the face of changes in the sensor inventory. 4) We wish to create a near-real-time product (TRMM product 3B42RT) that is consisten