Validation of retrieval algorithms for the infrared remote sensing of precipitation with the Sardinian rain gauge network data

SummaryA few retrieval techniques for the estimate of precipitation from infrared satellite data, already tested over the tropical Atlantic Ocean and over continental mid-latitude regions, have been used to verify their performance for the study of the western Mediterranean Sea climate. An attempt to optimize these techniques has been made, and a detailed comparison of the remotely sensed precipitation within situ continuous data, obtained with the rain gauge network in Sardinia for two significant periods of 1988, is presented. The results obtained give some useful indications on the performance of these techniques, on the best area time resolution to be used for their validation, and on the possible applications of the retrieved information.