Developing an Operational System for Daily 800-m Resolution Soil Moisture Estimates across Oklahoma

Abstract:

Researchers often need meso-scale, high resolution soil moisture estimates for research and decision support in the areas of hydrology, agriculture, and ecology. However, current soil moisture measurement techniques are commonly inadequate in terms of spatial resolution (satellites), spatial support or density (in situ networks), or temporal resolution (rovers). The development of operational systems for high resolution soil moisture estimation will create opportunities for improved drought monitoring, flood forecasting, agricultural management, and wildfire preparedness, as well as for calibration and validation of soil moisture satellites. We are working to develop such an estimation system by merging multiple information sources including: a statewide, mesoscale network (the Oklahoma Mesonet), a cosmic-ray neutron rover, high resolution land cover data, and a proven soil water balance model. This presentation will describe our vision and motivations, our methods, and our progress to date.