A Comparative Evaluation of Bias Correction Techniques for Improving GPM-IMERG Precipitation Data in the Welang Watershed, Indonesia

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Ery Suhartanto, Ussy Andawayanti, Muhammad Nurjati Hidayat, Rahmah Dara Lufira, Rizki Tri Utami

2025 Engineering, Technology and Applied Science Research Vol. 15 Issue 6 Article Cited by 1 Quartile

Abstract

Precise precipitation information underpins hydrological modeling, water resource planning, and hazard mitigation, yet, gauge coverage in many Indonesian catchments is sparse. The GPM-IMERG product provides 0.1°/30-min rainfall estimates, however, systematic biases limit its operational value. Five benchmark correction techniques were evaluated: Linear Scaling (LS), Linear Regression (LR), Genetic- Algorithm-based Correction Factor (GA-CF), Local Intensity Scaling (LOCI), and Power Transformation (PT) against daily observations from seven gauges in the Welang Watershed (2001–2020). LS delivered the most consistent improvement (NSE = 0.87, R = 0.92, RSR = 0.36), reducing the residual error by 30% relative to the next-best method. LR, GA-CF, and LOCI enhanced seasonal patterns (NSE ≈ 0.85), while PT provided complementary gains for moderate events but remained sub-optimal for extremes. The refined IMERG series met the accuracy thresholds proposed for reservoir operations, providing a readily deployable rainfall input for data-scarce, topographically complex tropical watersheds. © (c) by the authors

Affiliations

Department of Water Resources Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang City, Indonesia; Water Resources Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang City, Indonesia; Water Resources Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang City, Indonesia