Assimilation of Soil Moisture and Temperature Data into Land Surface Models: A Survey

Abstract

The surface temperature and moisture conditions at the Earth’s surface have important controls on land-atmosphere fluxes of energy and water. Over the past decade considerable research has advanced the application of data assimila- tion systems to ensure the correct specification of these quantities in land surface parameterization schemes. This chapter provides an overview of the primary data assimilation techniques that have evolved for the assimilation of surface tempera- ture and soil moisture into land surface models. We conclude with examination of some of the emerging and current issues for data assimilation including overcom- ing differences between satellite-retrieved and modeled soil moisture, and strategies that examine assimilation issues given the course spatial resolution obtained with current and near-future satellite sensors.