Introducing the Workshop
The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission will begin its operational phase with the launch of the Core satellite by NASA and JAXA in early 2014. The GPM Core Observatory will carry an advanced radar-radiometer system to unify and advance precipitation observations from a constellation of research and operational satellites provided by the United States, Japan, France, India, and the European community. International science collaboration in GPM Ground Validation (GV) plays a vital role in refining remote sensing algorithms and in assessing the quality and utility of satellite precipitation products in different climate and geographic regimes. Through a series of international planning workshops held in the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Brazil, Finland, and Canada, GPM has established a framework for international GV science collaboration to support pre-launch algorithm development and post-launch GPM product evaluation. The Sixth GPM International GV Workshop is hosted by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate (ISAC), in coordination with NASA’s Precipitation Measurement Missions (PMM) Science Program. The workshop will be held 5 – 7 November, at the CNR headquarter, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 7, Rome, Italy.
The workshop will focus on the following themes:
1. Developing consensus plans for post-launch assessments of satellite algorithms/products using GV measurements.
Radar and gauge network calibration “Tiers”:
i. Tier-1: Research Radar scanning and products for direct GV
ii. Tier-2: Operational Radar network products applied to direct GV
iii. Tier-3: Gauge and other instrument network applications to direct GV
2. Reviewing results from physical validation and related field campaign measurement including*:
- LPVEX: Light rain and snow
- MC3E: Mid-latitude convective and stratiform rainfall
- GCPEX: Falling snow
- CHUVA: Tropical rain systems, warm-rainfall
*A focus on algorithm applications and payoffs is desired
3. Coordination of Integrated Validation Activities including:
1. Regional Hydrologic Validation Activities
i. HSAF
ii. HyMeX
2. Field Campaign overviews, status, results, and lessons learned:
i. HyMeX 2012 IOP: Heavy orographic precipitation in the Mediterranean
ii. IFloodS: Mid-latitude warm-season rain and hydrology
iii. IPHEX: Mid-latitude warm-season orographic rain and hydrology
iv. OLYMPEX: Cold-season ocean and coastal orographic precipitation and hydrology.
The workshop will provide a working forum and programmatic framework to refine and coordinate international GV activities in support of the GPM mission. Participation in the workshop is by invitation only. The anticipated outcomes of the workshop will include: (a) refined definition, improved coordination, and implementation of GV measurement “tiers” for the post-launch transition to direct GV; b) assessment of physical validation field efforts (warm and cold-season) and intrinsic value to algorithm development; c) definition, direction, and prioritization of algorithm issues for future physical validation; d) review of existing and new instrumentation, including measurement practices; e) better understanding of methods to assess the uncertainty in hydrologic utility of GPM satellite products, especially in the middle and high latitudes; (f) increased coordination of international field and measurement initiatives contributing to GPM GV objectives.
This workshop website provides online registration, updated logistic details, workshop agenda, and other related information as they become available.
We sincerely hope that we will have the benefit of your participation at this workshop and look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Kind regards,
6th International GPM Ground Validation Workshop Organizing Committee:
Luca Baldini and Arthur Hou, Workshop Co-Chairs
Walter Petersen, NASA/GSFC
Vincenzo Levizzani, CNR/ISAC
Giulia Panegrossi, CNR/ISAC
Frank Marzano, “Sapienza” Univ. of Rome
V. Chandrasekar, Colorado State University