University of British Columbia
Improving Estimates of Evapotranspiration and Land Surface Relative Humidity Using Satellite-Derived Soil Moisture and Vegetation Optical Depth from SMAP-SMOS and Land Surface Temperature from Sentinel-3 — In recent decades, relative humidity over land has fallen, significantly worsening drought and wildfire. However, how land dryness and air masses interact to induce drier climatic conditions is unclear. Recently, we developed a novel evaporation model that characterizes land-atmosphere feedback processes. In this project, we will adapt this model to satellite land dryness observations, allowing us to estimate evapotranspiration across Canada and globally, and investigate physical mechanisms inducing drier climate. We will also develop a robust drought index to aid in water management and fire risk identification, and in planning potential adaptation strategies to drier climatic conditions.