A Comprehensive review of global precipitation Products: Availability and application for flood inundation mapping

Abstract

The study evaluates thirty precipitation products across temporal scales, encompassing gauge, satellite-derived, and reanalysis types. Gauge products such as CRU, GPCC, and CPC-Global depend on rain gauge measurements; however, they encounter challenges due to the distribution of gauges. Satellite-based products such as PERSIANN-CCS, TRMM 3B42, and GPCP offer temporal and spatial resolution, especially in regions lacking gauging stations. Nevertheless, these satellite-based datasets are indirect and prone to uncertainties. Reanalysis products, including NCEP1, ERA-Interim, and MERRA, integrate observational data sources to provide atmospheric datasets, which are invaluable for climate studies. Yet, they possess limitations owing to data assimilation processes and model biases. Researchers must consider the applications and limitations of each dataset when conducting climate and hydrological assessments. Although satellite products such as GSMaP and IMERG, along with reanalysis products such as ERA-5 and MERRA-2, are vital for flood mapping, it is essential to apply bias adjustments before their utilization in flood modelling.