Evapo-MSG: Operational Evaporation Estimations

Evapo-MSG: operational evapotranspiration estimations for hydrological applications using MSG and ENVISAT data

This project was carried out together with ITC, IVM and FAO. The general goal of the EVAPO-MSG project was to set-up operational tools to support the observation and monitoring of climate change effects on the water balance of semi-arid areas using a combination of remote sensing estimations and a hydrological model.

The result of the EVAPO-MSG project is a set of operational tools to assess and monitor the hydrological response of vulnerable semi-arid regions to climate change. By means of a case study insight was gained in the improved performance of published evapotranspiration models after recalibration/adjustment for MSG data. Application of the improved evapotranspiration estimations in a calibrated hydrological model demonstrated the added value of earth observation products for the study of the hydrological cycle in vulnerable semi-arid areas and their potential for agricultural and food security applications.

Water Insight has performed a cost-benefit analysis of the use of remote sensing data as produced in the project versus field data and freely available data on Internet. The project was completed in 2007.