Soil Moisture: The Need of Multiple Sources Facing Data Gaps

CAPPELLETTI, LUCÍA; SÖRENSSON ANNA AMELIA; ESTEBAN JOBBÁGY; RUSCICA, ROMINA; SALVIA, M. MERCEDES

Conferencia; RMetS Virtual Student & Early Career Scientists Conference 2021; 2021

Royal Meteorological Society

Soil water storage is a variable that controls multiple processes and feedbacks within the climate system, intervening in water and energy balances. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the characterisation of soil moisture (SM) at regional scales, through remote sensing estimates and the implementation of new in situ networks. Each of these databases has intrinsic characteristics, such as the dynamic range of the SM and the temporal frequency of acquisition. Another relevant factor is the period of data availability. In this context, this paper analyses and exposes different sources of SM data gaps over long periods of time, using information from in situ stations and from the SMOS and SMAP satellite systems. In addition, examples are presented that show the relevance of examining the availability of information and the importance of considering various sources of information.The study focuses on a sector of the Pampean Plains (Argentina) with advantages such as relatively homogeneous landscapes in terms of land types and land use, and an extremely flat topography, in addition to having in situ measurements of SM. These advantages, alongside the fact that the region is not irrigated, experiences marked seasonal dynamics and a synchronised cropping rhythm, offer a natural laboratory of SM conditions. The study period covers April 2015 - November 2019.