USGS Data Series 832: A Quasi-Global Precipitation Time Series for Drought Monitoring

A Quasi-Global Precipitation Time Series for Drought Monitoring

By Chris C. Funk, Pete J. Peterson, Martin F. Landsfeld, Diego H. Pedreros, James P. Verdin, James D. Rowland, Bo E. Romero, Gregory J. Husak, Joel C. Michaelsen, and Andrew P. Verdin

Abstract

Estimating precipitation variations in space and time is an important aspect of drought early warning and environmental monitoring. An evolving drier-than-normal season must be placed in historical context so that the severity of rainfall deficits may quickly be evaluated. To this end, scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, working closely with collaborators at the University of California, Santa Barbara Climate Hazards Group, have developed a quasi-global (50°S–50°N, 180°E–180°W), 0.05° resolution, 1981 to near-present gridded precipitation time series: the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) data archive.

First posted May 12, 2014

Report PDF (901 kB)

For additional information contact:
Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center
U.S. Geological Survey
47914 252nd Street
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57198
http://eros.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Funk, C.C., Peterson, P.J., Landsfeld, M.F., Pedreros, D.H., Verdin, J.P., Rowland, J.D., Romero, B.E., Husak, G.J., Michaelsen, J.C., and Verdin, A.P., 2014, A quasi-global precipitation time series for drought monitoring: U.S. Geological Survey Data Series 832, 4 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ds832.

ISSN 2327-638X (online)

Contents

Abstract

Background

Data Inputs to the CHIRPS

The CHIRPS Procedure

The CHG Station Climatology Database

Blending Stations to Produce the CHIRPS

CHIRPS Availability

References