Spatio-temporal performance evaluation of 14 global precipitation
estimation products across river basins in southwest Iran
Abstract
Access to spatio-temporally consistent precipitation data is a key
prerequisite for hydrological studies, especially in data-scarce
regions. Different global precipitation products offer an alternative
way to estimate precipitation over areas with inadequate gauge
distributions. However, before use of the datasets, the accuracy of
these global estimations must be carefully studied at local and regional
scale. This study evaluated 14 global precipitation products against
gauge observations 2003-2012 in Karun and Karkheh basins in southwest
Iran. Different categorical and statistical indices, including
Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE), bias, correlation coefficient, and
variability ratio, at varying spatial and temporal resolution were used
to evaluate the products. KGE results at both daily and monthly time
steps suggested that TMPA-3B42V7.0 and MERRA-2 outperformed all other
products, while CMORPH-BLDV1.0 and PERSIANN-CDR was the best-performing
product at daily and monthly time steps, respectively. ERA5-Land showed
the highest positive bias compared with in-situ observations,
particularly for mountainous southeastern parts of Karun basin. Overall,
bias-adjusted products obtained by merging ground-based observations in
the estimations outperformed the unadjusted versions. The spatial
distribution of statistical error metrics indicated that almost all
products showed their greatest uncertainties for mountainous regions,
due to complex precipitation processes in these regions. These results
can significantly contribute to various horological and water resources
planning measures in the study region, including early flood warning
systems, drought monitoring, and optimal dam operations.