Estimation the validity of remote sensed rainfall data over selected regions in Iraq

Estimation the validity of remote sensed rainfall

Abstract

 Rainfall is a major changeable atmospheric element. Existing rain gauge networks lack the temporal and geographical coverage required for adequate monitoring. Weather radars are directly sensitive to precipitation components, making them important instruments for observing rainfall. However, their use for accurate precipitation estimate with excellent geographical coverage is limited by existing gaps in radar networks and technological complexity. Satellite measurements offer the benefit of producing spatially homogeneous data across broad regions. The main objective of the present study is to investigate rainfall over Iraq using TRMM Rainfall data where the daily rainfall observations collected by ground stations at different locations in Iraq and compared to rainfall estimates obtained from TRMM data in order to calibrate the acquired rainfall data.

The results showed that During the months of January, April and December over Iraq influenced by the Mediterranean low pressure systems where during winter, the prevailing westerly winds may bring moist air from the Mediterranean Sea, leading to increased chances of rainfall. Generally, highest rainfall pattern is observed in the south eastern boundary, also during April, the pattern shifts in around of Sulaymaniyah province, from the south-east border

to the near north-east sections. additionally, the precipitation weather system in Iraq influenced by the Red Sea Convergence Zone as a meteorological feature which can contribute to winter rainfall over Iraq where the convergence of air masses from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean can lead to the lifting of moist air and subsequent precipitation. Finally, Daily rainfall measurements for all evaluated stations were compared with TRMM-estimated rainfall values, and the results were very acceptable. These results show that rainfall estimations using TRMM data may be valuable in various applications, including agriculture and water resources.