Remote Sensing of Precipitation: Volume 1

Precipitation is a well-recognized pillar in global water and energy balances. An accurate and timely understanding of its characteristics at the global regional and local scales is indispensable for a clearer understanding of the mechanisms underlying the Earths atmosphere-ocean complex system. Precipitation is one of the elements that is documented to be greatly affected by climate change.In its various forms precipitation comprises a primary source of freshwater which is vital for the sustainability of almost all human activities. Its socio-economic significance is fundamental in managing this natural resource effectively in applications ranging from irrigation to industrial and household usage.Remote sensing of precipitation is pursued through a broad spectrum of continuously enriched and upgraded instrumentation embracing sensors which can be ground-based (e.g. weather radars) satellite-borne (e.g. passive or active space-borne sensors) underwater (e.g. hydrophones) aerial or ship-borne.