Satellite Remote Sensing of Soil Moisture for Hydrological Applications: A Review of Issues to Be Solved

Abstract

Accurate soil moisture indicator is critically important for hydrological applications such as water resource management and hydrological modelling. Modern satellite remote sensing has shown a huge potential for providing soil moisture measurements at a large scale. However its effective utilisation in the aforementioned areas still needs comprehensive research. This chapter focuses on exploring the advances and potential issues in the current application of satellite soil moisture observations in hydrological modelling. It has been proposed that hydrological application of soil moisture data requires the data relevant to hydrology. In order to meet the requirement, the following two research tasks are suggested: the first is to carry out comprehensive assessments of satellite soil moisture observations for hydrological modelling, not merely based on evaluations against point-based in situ measurements; the second is that a soil moisture product (e.g. soil moisture deficit) directly applicable to hydrological modelling should be developed. Only fully accomplishing these two steps will push forward the utilisation of satellite soil moisture in hydrological modelling to a greater extent.