E-catalog        

Introduction to the Current States of Satellite Precipitation Products -- False Alarm in Satellite Precipitation Data -- Satellite Observations -- Reducing False Rain in Satellite Precipitation Products Using CloudSat Cloud Classification Maps and MODIS Multi-Spectral Images -- Integration of CloudSat Precipitation Profile in Reduction of False Rain -- Cloud Classification and its Application in Reducing False Rain -- Summary and Conclusions.

This thesis transforms satellite precipitation estimation through the integration of a multi-sensor, multi-channel approach to current precipitation estimation algorithms, and provides more accurate readings of precipitation data from space.  Using satellite data to estimate precipitation from space overcomes the limitation of ground-based observations in terms of availability over remote areas and oceans as well as spatial coverage. However, the accuracy of satellite-based estimates still need to be improved.  The approach introduced in this thesis takes advantage of the recent NASA satellites in observing clouds and precipitation. In addition, machine-learning techniques are also employed to make the best use of remotely-sensed "big data." The results provide a significant improvement in detecting non-precipitating areas and reducing false identification of precipitation.