The TRMM science program includes an extensive effort to validate the satellite measurements. Ten ground validation sites are located throughout the tropics. Each site consists of a calibrated radar and a network of rain gauges. Four of these sites are considered primary or "direct data" sites from which a continuous data stream of high quality is to be obtained through the life of the TRMM satellite. The direct data sites are Darwin, Australia; Melbourne, Florida; Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands; and Houston, Texas. Each of these four sites has a PI and institution responsible for monitoring the data stream from the site. The following information pertains to the Kwajalein Atoll Ground Validation site overseen by Professor Robert Houze at the University of Washington.

• Links to TRMM-related websites at NASA
  • Direct link to FTP site: data/kwajex
• NASA Quicklook data: KWAJEX
• Dryden Flight Research Center: DC-8 KWAJEX FY99
• UW products:
  • Rainmap algorithm description (PDF)
  • File specifications
• Radar Specifications and Information about the Radar Data Set
• KWAJEX field site
• Monthly Rainmaps
• Raingauge Data and Z-R Relationships
• PR Overpasses
• Courtney Schumacher: Scientific Contact
  courtney(at)ariel.met.tamu.edu

Houze, R. A., Jr., and C. A. Leary, 1976: Comparison of convective mass and heat transports in tropical easterly waves computed by two methods. J. Atmos. Sci., 33, 424-429.

Schumacher, C., and R. A. Houze, Jr., 2000: Comparison of radar data from the TRMM satellite and Kwajalein oceanic validation site. J. Appl. Meteor., 39, 2151-2164.

Houze, R. A., Jr., S. Brodzik, C. Schumacher, S. E. Yuter, and C. R. Williams, 2004: Uncertainties in oceanic radar rain maps at Kwajalein and implications for satellite validation. J. Appl. Meteor., 43, 1114-1132.

Kim, M.-J., J. A. Weinman, and R. A. Houze, Jr., 2004: Validation of maritime rainfall retrievals from the TRMM-microwave radiometer. J. Appl. Meteor., 43, 847-859.

Yuter, S. E., R. A. Houze, Jr., E. A. Smith, T. T.Wilheit, and E. Zipser, 2005: Physical characterization of tropical oceanic convection observed in KWAJEX. J. Appl. Meteor., 44, 385-415.

Cetrone, J., and R. A. Houze, Jr., 2006: Characteristics of tropical convection over the ocean near Kwajalein. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134, 834-853.