Evaluation of CMORPH, PERSIANN-CDR, CHIRPS V2.0, TMPA 3B42 V7, and GPM IMERG V6 Satellite Precipitation Datasets in Arabian Arid Regions

Rainfall depth is a crucial parameter in water resources and hydrological studies. Rain gauges provide the most reliable point-based rainfall estimates. However, they do not have proper density/distribution to sufficient measurements many areas, especially arid regions. To evaluate adequacy of satellite datasets as an alternative rain gauges, Kingdom Saudi Arabia (KSA) selected for current study representative KSA occupies Arabian Peninsula characterized by high variability topographic climatic conditions. Five precipitation (SPDSs)—CMORPH, PERSIANN-CDR, CHIRPS V2.0, TMPA 3B42 V7, GPM IMERG V6—are evaluated versus 324 conventional rain-gauges’ daily measures. The evaluation conducted based on nine quantitative categorical metrics. analysis carried out daily, monthly, yearly, maximum yearly records. revealed low correlation all SPDSs (<0.31), slightly improved reached its highest value (0.58) monthly analysis. V6 PERSIANN-CDR probability detection (0.55) but with false alarm ratio (>0.8). Accordingly, regions, use estimation will lead uncertainty obtained results. best performance statistical metrics was found at 500–750 m altitudes central northern parts area satellites except minor anomalies. CMORPH dataset has lowest centered root mean square error (RMSEc) periods results analyses.