SOM of space borne precipitation radar rain profiles on global scale

The Precipitation Radar (PR) from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) produces high resolution vertical profiles of precipitation. Extensive information about the type of storm is contained in its vertical structure. This paper develops classification methodology precipitation radar profiles using self organizing maps. Reflectivity observation of vertical rain profile on global scale obtained from TRMM PR is classified with Self-Organizing Maps. The methodology is demonstrated by computing a SOM for a month of TRMM radar data around the globe. A sample application of the methodology is provided to study the difference between east and west Pacific Ocean.