The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission is dedicated tostudying the properties of rain that falls within a zone from 35 degrees above to 35 degrees below the equator. Still images from the lightning sensor and b-roll containing lightning animation also are available. We're extremely excited about these new images and the quality and quantity of the data we're receiving. Previously, it was not possible to gather radar precipitation data over the oceans and TRMM has changed all that. TRMM is NASA's first mission dedicated to observing and understanding tropical rainfall, which comprises more than two-thirds of all rainfall, and how it affects the global climate.
Global rainfall is the primary distributor of heat through atmospheric circulation.
The recent El Nino serves as a perfect example of the atmospheric circulation changes that can result from a displacement of the normal precipitation patterns in the central Pacific. More precise information about this rainfall and its variability is crucial to understanding and predicting global climate and climate change. The Precipitation Radar aboard TRMM is the first rain radar ever launched into space. It measures precipitation distribution over both land and sea areas. Some of the most dramatic Precipitation Radar data was received on March 9 over Melbourne, FL, during the passage of a line of very severe thunderstorms.