Spatially Downscaling a Global Evapotranspiration Product for End User Using a Deep Neural Network: A Case Study with the GLEAM Product

Abstract

High spatiotemporal resolution evapotranspiration (ET) data are very important for end users to manage water resources. The global ET product always has a high temporal resolution, but the spatial resolution is too low to meet the requirements of most end users. In this study, we developed a deep neural network (DNN)-based global ET product downscaling algorithm by combining remotely sensed and meteorological data sets as the input data. The relationship between global ET product and input data was built at a low spatial resolution using the DNN. Then, this relationship was applied at high spatial resolution to generate high spatial resolution ET derived from the input data with high spatial resolution. Taking the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM) ET product as an example, downscaled ET was found to be highly consistent with the original GLEAM ET product, but to have high spatial resolution. Field validations showed that the overall coefficient of correlation and root mean square error (bias, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient) of the downscaled GLEAM ET is 0.90 and 0.87 mm/d (−0.32 mm/d, 0.62), respectively, indicating high quality. The proposed method bridged the gaps between the global ET product and the requirements of local end users. This will benefit end users in charge of water resources management.