Comparative study of performance of satellite derived rainfall estimates: case study of Mara river basin
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Date
2009
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Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
Rainfall data is very important for the planning, development, operation and management of water resources schemes. Satellite derived rainfall estimates represents the best alternative to gauge data due to its good spatial coverage. However, the accuracy of these estimates over different temporal and spatial scales is unknown. The study aimed at carrying out a comparative analysis of satellite derived rainfall estimates as a proxy for ground based rainfall measurements in the Mara River Basin. The study involved processing of satellite derived rainfall estimates at various temporal scales and comparing with ground observed rainfall data. The relationship between the two data sets was studied. Investigation was made on the accuracy of rainfall estimation using satellite products at various time scales. The processing and analysis of the data was carried out using ArcView GIS, ArcGIS, Windisp and Microsoft excel spreadsheet. The study has shown that satellite derived rainfall estimates are suitable for water resources assessments in the Mara River Basin. The findings from the analyses carried out show that though the correlation coefficients between satellites derived rainfall estimates and observed rainfall vary temporally and spatially they do not depend on mean annual rainfall pattern in the Mara River Basin. Even though there is a drive towards utilization of satellite derived rainfall estimates in water resources assessments, there is still need to maintain some monitoring stations for validation of the satellite derived rainfall estimates.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class Mark (THS EAF QC876.562.T34O33)
Keywords
Satalite meteorology, Rainfall, Mara river basin
Citation
Ochieng, W. O (2009) Comparative study of performance of satellite derived rainfall estimates: case study of Mara river basin, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam