Assessment of SM2RAIN-ASCAT and CMORPH satellite precipitation products over Maharlu Lake basin in Iran

Abstract

In recent years, the use of climatic databases and satellite products by researchers has become increasingly common in the field of climate modeling and research. These datasets play an important role in developing countries. This study evaluated two reanalyses, CMORPH and SM2RAIN-ASCAT over Maharlu Lake, a semi-arid region in Iran. The results showed that these two near-time datasets do not have accurate data over this basin. However, the Probability of Detection (POD), Critical Success Index (CSI), and False Alarm Ratio (FAR) statistics showed acceptable accuracy in the detection of precipitation. The coefficient of determination and root mean square error statistics have unacceptable accuracy over this area. The monthly changes in each of the indices showed that the CMORPH database had more errors in the spring months, but in other months the error rate was improved. SM2RAIN-ASCAT had better accuracy over this area relative to CMORPH. The estimation of the total accuracy of the data showed that these two satellite databases were not capable of estimating precipitation in the area.