Validation of Envisat Rain Detection and Rain Rate Estimates by Comparing With TRMM Data

This letter provides validation results on both Envisat altimeter rain detection flag and rain rate estimates. This assessment was performed based on 18-month collocated data sets between Envisat with two sensor measurements from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, i.e., the microwave imager and the precipitation radar. Along with the comparison between closest sensor measurements with strict spatial and temporal criteria, discussion is also provided on environmental context insight when interpreting comparison results based on collocated data.