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Titel |
Relating surface backscatter response from TRMM precipitation radar to soil moisture: results over a semi-arid region |
VerfasserIn |
H. Stephen, S. Ahmad, T. C. Piechota, C. Tang |
Medientyp |
Artikel
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Sprache |
Englisch
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ISSN |
1027-5606
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Digitales Dokument |
URL |
Erschienen |
In: Hydrology and Earth System Sciences ; 14, no. 2 ; Nr. 14, no. 2 (2010-02-05), S.193-204 |
Datensatznummer |
250012176
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Publikation (Nr.) |
copernicus.org/hess-14-193-2010.pdf |
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Zusammenfassung |
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) carries aboard the
Precipitation Radar (TRMMPR) that measures the backscatter (σ°) of the
surface. σ° is sensitive to surface soil moisture and vegetation
conditions. Due to sparse vegetation in arid and semi-arid regions, TRMMPR
σ° primarily depends on the soil water content. In this study we relate
TRMMPR σ° measurements to soil water content (ms) in the Lower Colorado River
Basin (LCRB). σ° dependence on ms is studied for different vegetation
greenness values determined through Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
(NDVI). A new model of σ° that couples incidence angle, ms, and NDVI is
used to derive parameters and retrieve soil water content. The calibration and
validation of this model are performed using simulated and measured ms
data. Simulated ms is estimated using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC)
model and measured ms is acquired from ground measuring stations in
Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW).
σ° model is calibrated using VIC and WGEW ms data during 1998 and the
calibrated model is used to derive ms during later years. The temporal
trends of derived ms are consistent with VIC and WGEW ms data with
a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.89 and 0.74, respectively. Derived ms is
also consistent with the measured precipitation data with R=0.76. The gridded
VIC data is used to calibrate the model at each grid point in LCRB and spatial
maps of the model parameters are prepared. The model parameters are spatially
coherent with the general regional topography in LCRB. TRMMPR σ° derived
soil moisture maps during May (dry) and August (wet) 1999 are spatially
similar to VIC estimates with correlation 0.67 and 0.76, respectively. This
research provides new insights into Ku-band σ° dependence on soil water
content in the arid regions. |
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