Application of remote sensing methods to hydrology and water resources

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A brief review of research in remote sensing of water resources indicates that there are many positive results, and some techniques have been applied operationally. Currently, remote sensing data are being used operationally in precipitation estimates, soil moisture measurements for irrigation scheduling, snow water equivalent and snow cover extent assessments, seasonal and short term snowmelt runoff forecasts, and surface water inventories. In the next decade other operational applications are likely using remote measurements of land cover, sediment loads, erosion, groundwater, and areal inputs to hydrological models. Many research challenges remain, and significant progress is expected in areas like albedo measurements, energy budgets, and evapotranspiration estimation. The research in remote sensing and water resources also has much relevance for related studies of climate change and global habitability.