The overarching objective of this proposal is to improve sqpe (satellite quantitative precipitation estimation) in mountainous regions by improving the representation of orographic precipitation…

This federal contract award, with identification number NNX16AL16G, was granted by the Shared Services Center (a civilian agency) to Duke University to improve satellite-based quantitative precipitation estimation (SQPE) in mountainous regions. The research will focus on understanding the physical processes governing orographic precipitation through data analysis, modeling, and integration of satellite and ground observation data from the Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment (IPHEX) field campaign. The specific objectives are to elucidate the variability of orographic precipitation microphysics, characterize the vertical signature of orographic precipitation regimes, and improve the accuracy and resolution of SQPE for hydrologic applications. This $153,399.00 grant award does not have a set-aside designation.

The overarching objective of this proposal is to improve sqpe (satellite quantitative precipitation estimation) in mountainous regions by improving the representation of orographic precipitation processes in retrieval algorithms and physical models. The proposed research addresses this challenge by focusing on quantitative understanding of physical processes governing orographic precipitation through analysis, modeling, and interpretive studies integrating satellite and GPM GV data, specifically observations from the iphex (integrated precipitation and hydrology experiment) field campaign in the southern appalachians. The specific science objectives are: i) to elucidate the spatial and temporal variability of orographic precipitation microphysics in the lower troposphere; II) to characterize the vertical signature of orographic precipitation regimes on multi-frequency radar reflectivity; and III) to improve the accuracy and the spatial and temporal resolution of orographic sqpe at the storm-event scale for hydrologic applications.