Rainfall estimation through ambient noise measurements in the deep waters of the southeast Arabian Sea

• Distinct and loud acoustic signals produced by rainfall can be used to estimate precipitation rate. • Location-specific algorithm for inverting precipitation rates from ambient noise . • The approach relies on regression analysis of measurements and the corresponding derived coefficients. • An error percentage between the standard equation and the developed algorithm. Measuring rainfall over the ocean poses significant challenges with conventional rain gauges, and compared to localized rain events and in-situ measurements, satellite observations also encounter significant challenges in delivering accurate results. However, the distinct and loud acoustic signals produced by rainfall can be used to estimate precipitation rates, even at deeper depths. This study presents an empirical algorithm for estimating precipitation rates from ocean ambient noise within the frequency range of 1–10 kHz in the deep waters of Lakshadweep. The approach relies on regression analysis of measurements and the corresponding derived coefficients. The comparative analysis between the proposed and reference algorithms elucidate distinct error patterns, error percentages below 2 % are observed under high precipitation rates towards higher frequency, contrasting with error percentages exceeding 10 % at higher precipitation rates towards lower frequency.