Extensive Evaluation of Four Satellite Precipitation Products and Their Hydrologic Applications over the Yarlung Zangbo River

Satellite remote sensing precipitation products with high temporal–spatial resolution and large area coverage have great potential in hydrometeorological research. This paper analyzes the performance of four satellite from 2000 to 2008 Yarlung Zangbo River Basin, namely Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), Precipitation Estimation Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN), Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Station data (CHIRPS), Prediction Center morphing method (CMORPH). The are evaluated three aspects: spatial distribution, temporal characteristics, hydrological simulation. results show that: (1) exhibit similar annual daily patterns, highest accuracy concentrated center, followed by east west; (2) TRMM, CHIRPS, CMORPH largest positive bias for monthly estimation December, while PERSIANN shows July. All overestimate 0.1–5 mm/d, underestimate above 5 especially PERSIANN; (3) certain Products tend perform better than others at elevations 3000–4000 m relatively humid zones. TRMM stable various elevation climate zones; (4) model validation, has best during calibration period, although it is inferior CHIRPS validation period. Overall, applicability Basin; however, its impact on uncertainty modeling needs be further studied.