Progress of the Satellite Remote Sensing Retrieval of Precipitation

High quality precipitation data are an important basis for meteorological, hydrological and ecological research. It is difficult to realize the uniform distribution observation of precipitation over a large area due to the limitation of the number of stations and topographic conditions. Fortunately, satellite retrieval of precipitation can effectively remedy the shortcomings of the traditional observation network. Based on the principle of satellite retrieval of precipitation, this paper briefly summarized the algorithms of satellite retrieval of precipitation using visible light, infrared, microwave and multi-sensor combination, and the applicability of five satellite precipitation products. Improving the algorithms of satellite retrieval of precipitation and enhancing the integration of precipitation products from multiple sensors to obtain higher precision and wider coverage of precipitation products are a trend of precipitation retrieval from satellite remote sensing in the future.