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Title: Soil moisture mapping for aquarius

Author
item Jackson, Thomas
item BINDLISH, R - Science Systems, Inc
item ZHAO, T - Collaborator
item Cosh, Michael
item O'NEILL, P - National Aeronautics And Space Administration (NASA)

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/20/2012
Publication Date: 4/11/2012
Citation: Jackson, T.J., Bindlish, R., Zhao, T., Cosh, M.H., O'Neill, P.W. 2012. Soil moisture mapping for aquarius [abstract]. Meeting Abstract. 2012 CDROM.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Aquarius is the first satellite to provide both passive and active L-band observations of the Earth. In addition, the instruments on Satelite de Aplicaciones Cientificas-D (SAC-D) provide complementary information for analysis and retrieval algorithms. Our research focuses on the retrieval of soil moisture, and possibly land surface temperature, by exploiting the synergy of these instruments. Initial analyses have included assessments of the radiometer calibration. In conjunction with this, we have implemented a soil moisture retrieval algorithm using the radiometer data, due to its heritage in soil moisture applications. This builds on soil moisture algorithms that are currently being used with the Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) satellite observations. Analyses of the algorithm to date have included comparisons to ground-based measurements and SMOS soil moisture retrievals. A longer period of record is needed before meaningful assessments can be made. A unique component of Aquarius/SAC-D is the availability of a 36.5 GHz radiometer, which can be used to derive the land surface temperature (LST) that is required for computing emissivity. Once the calibration of this sensor is completed we will evaluate its utility in the soil moisture algorithm. Efforts are also underway to assess the contribution that the active instrument can make to the retrieval algorithm. Aquarius observations now provide an unprecedented opportunity to develop new approaches to soil moisture. The global products will contribute to a better understanding of the Earth’s climate and water cycle.