Earth ID: 11091

GPM Applications

Released on August 27, 2012

Water is fundamental to life on Earth. Knowing where and how much rain and snow falls globally is vital to understanding how weather and climate impact both our environment and Earth's water and energy cycles, including effects on agriculture, fresh water availability, and responses to natural disasters. Since rainfall and snowfall vary greatly from place to place and over time, satellites can provide more uniform observations of rain and snow around the globe than ground instruments, especially in areas where surface measurements are difficult. GPM's next-generation global precipitation data will lead to scientific advances and societal benefits in the following areas:

Improved knowledge of the Earth's water cycle and its link to climate change

New insights into precipitation microphysics, storm structures and large-scale atmospheric processes

Better understanding of climate sensitivity and feedback processes

Extended capabilities in monitoring and predicting hurricanes and other extreme weather events

Improved forecasting capabilities for natural hazards, including floods, droughts and landslides.

Enhanced numerical prediction skills for weather and climate

Better agricultural crop forecasting and monitoring of freshwater resources.

For more information and resources please visit the Precipitation Measurement Missions web site.

Tropical Cyclones

On August 28, 2011, Tropical Storm Irene hit Vermont, causing widespread damage and the worst flooding in 75 years. Irene's impact in New England shows that tropical cyclones can greatly affect regions outside the view of TRMM. The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission will build upon TRMM's legacy by examining a larger swath of Earth with more sensitive instruments.

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Credits

Trent L. Schindler (USRA): Lead Animator
Walt Feimer (HTSI): Animator
Chris Meaney (HTSI): Animator
Ryan Fitzgibbons (USRA): Animator
Ryan Fitzgibbons (USRA): Video Editor
Scott Braun (NASA/GSFC): Interviewee
Candace C Carlisle (NASA/GSFC): Interviewee
Dalia B Kirschbaum (NASA/GSFC): Interviewee
Eric F. Wood (Princeton University): Interviewee
Wade Crow (USDA): Interviewee
Tom Trout (USDA): Interviewee
Rob Gutro (NASA/GSFC): Narrator
Ryan Fitzgibbons (USRA): Producer
Dalia B Kirschbaum (NASA/GSFC): Scientist
Gail Skofronick Jackson (NASA/GSFC): Scientist
Arthur Hou Ph.D. (NASA/GSFC): Scientist
Rob Andreoli (Advocates in Manpower Management, Inc.): Videographer
Ryan Fitzgibbons (USRA): Writer

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center