Joint estimation of root zone soil moisture and groundwater variations from gamma radiation and gravimetric measurements (A02)

• Subject Area: Geodesy, Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Geoinformatics, Cartography ; Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 450058266

Root zone soil moisture is an essential variable in land surface models, but there is still a lack of sensing information that adequately represents this zone. We will investigate whether a root zone soil moisture product for Europe can be derived from existing gamma radiation data using both laboratory and field experiments and the analysis of available gamma radiation time series. To obtain improved estimates of soil moisture content below the root zone and changes in ground water level, gamma radiation monitoring and super-conducting terrestrial gravimetry will be combined in a unique field experiment. This will also provide insights into the joint assimilation of gamma radiation and GRACE data in land surface models at the continental scale.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1502: Regional Climate Change: Disentangling the Role of Land Use and Water Management
• Applicant Institution: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Johan Huisman; Professor Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Kusche