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Dataset Overview | National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)

Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) - Monthly, Version 2.2 (Version Superseded)

GPCP-Monthly

**Version 2.2 of the dataset has been superseded by a newer version. Users should not use version 2.2 except in rare cases (e.g., when reproducing previous studies that used version 2.2).** The Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) comprises a total of 27 products with the two primary products being the monthly satellite-gauge and associated precipitation error estimates. The Version 2.2 monthly product covers the period January 1979 to the present, with a delay of two to three months for data reception and processing. Version 2.2 supersedes all previous versions of the GPCP monthly product, including Versions 1, 1b, 1c, V2x79, 2 and 2.1. (Previous versions are not available from the NOAA/NCEI archive). All the GPCP products are produced by optimally merging precipitation estimates computed from microwave, infrared, sounder data observed by the international constellation of precipitation-related satellites, and precipitation gauge analyses, taking advantage of the strengths of each data type. Files are provided monthly, and the newest monthly data are appended to a yearly data file as they are available. Monthly products include a satellite-gauge combined precipitation product, a satellite gauge random error error precipitation product, and intermediate files--all of which are available on a 2.5 degree grid. Code and documentation are also available.
  • Cite as: Adler, R.F., G.J. Huffman, D. Bolvin (2011): Global Precipitation Climatology Project - Monthly, Version 2.2. NOAA National Climatic Data Center. [access date].
  • NCEI DSI 3632_01
  • gov.noaa.ncdc:C00932
gov.noaa.ncdc:C00932
Other Access
  • NCEI Customer Support (offlineAccess)
    Data in this archival information package are not currently available for public download from NCEI. Please contact NCEI Information Services directly for access to these data.
Distribution Formats
  • XML
  • Binary
  • PDF
Ordering Instructions Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions.
Distributor NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
ncei.info@noaa.gov
Dataset Point of Contact Customer Engagement Branch
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
1-828-271-4800
ncei.orders@noaa.gov
Time Period 1979-01-01 to Present (time interval: 1-month)
Spatial Bounding Box Coordinates
West: -180.0
East: 180.0
South: -90.0
North: 90.0
Spatial Coverage Map
General Documentation
Processing Documents
Associated Resources
Publication Dates
  • publication: 2011-07-26
  • creation: 2011-07-26
Edition 2.2
Data Presentation Form Digital table - digital representation of facts or figures systematically displayed, especially in columns
Dataset Progress Status Superseded - replaced by new
Data Update Frequency Not planned
Purpose One of the major goals of GPCP is to develop a more complete understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of global precipitation.
Dataset Citation
  • Cite as: Adler, R.F., G.J. Huffman, D. Bolvin (2011): Global Precipitation Climatology Project - Monthly, Version 2.2. NOAA National Climatic Data Center. [access date].
Cited Authors
  • Robert Adler
    UMD/ESSIC > Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland
  • George Huffman
    NASA/GSFC/SED/ESD/LA/GPM > GPM Project Office, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Earth Sciences Division, Science and Exploration Directorate, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA
  • David Bolvin
    NASA/GSFC/SED/ESD/LA/GPM > GPM Project Office, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Earth Sciences Division, Science and Exploration Directorate, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA
Principal Investigators
  • Robert Adler
    UMD/ESSIC > Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland
Collaborators
  • George Huffman
    NASA/GSFC/SED/ESD/LA/GPM > GPM Project Office, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Earth Sciences Division, Science and Exploration Directorate, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA
  • David Bolvin
    NASA/GSFC/SED/ESD/LA/GPM > GPM Project Office, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Earth Sciences Division, Science and Exploration Directorate, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA
Publishers
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
Theme keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords
  • Earth Science > Atmosphere > Precipitation
Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Essential Climate Variables (ECVs)
  • Atmospheric - Surface - Precipitation
Data Center keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCDC > National Climatic Data Center, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/NCEI > National Centers for Environmental Information, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce
  • NASA/GSFC/SED/ESD/LA/GPM > GPM Project Office, Laboratory for Atmospheres, Earth Sciences Division, Science and Exploration Directorate, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA
Platform keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Platform Keywords
  • GOES > NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites
  • NOAA POES > NOAA Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites
  • WEATHER STATIONS
  • DMSP > Defense Meteorological Satellite Program
  • TIROS > Television Infrared Observation Satellite
Instrument keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords
  • SSMI > Special Sensor Microwave/Imager
  • SSMIS > Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder
  • Rain Gauges
  • TOVS > TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder
  • AIRS > Atmospheric Infrared Sounder
Place keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Geographic Region > Global
Project keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Project Keywords
  • GPCP > Global Precipitation Climatology Project
  • GEWEX > Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment
Data Resolution keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Horizontal Data Resolution Keywords
  • 250 km - < 500 km or approximately 2.5 degrees - < 5.0 degrees
Stratum keywords Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords
  • Vertical Location > Land Surface
  • Vertical Location > Sea Surface
Use Constraints
  • **Version 2.2 of the dataset has been superseded by a newer version. Users should not use version 2.2 except in rare cases (e.g., when reproducing previous studies that used version 2.2).**
  • Cite as: Adler, R.F., G.J. Huffman, D. Bolvin (2011): Global Precipitation Climatology Project - Monthly, Version 2.2. NOAA National Climatic Data Center. [access date].
  • Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose.
Access Constraints
  • Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives.
Fees
  • In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media.
Lineage information for: dataset
Lineage Statement For more information about the lineage and production of the dataset, please refer to the corresponding documentation and scientific publications about the dataset.
Processing Documents
Lineage information for: repository
Processing Steps
  • 2015-04-22T00:00:00 - NOAA created the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) by merging NOAA's National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC), and National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), including the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC), per the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235. NCEI launched publicly on April 22, 2015.
Last Modified: 2023-06-23
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