[en] In the framework of the EUMETSAT's LSA-SAF project, a method to estimate the
evapotranspiration (ET) using satellite remote sensing has been developed. Data
derived from Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) is used to drive a physical model
of energy exchange between the surface (soil and canopy) and the atmospheric
boundary layer. Such data has started to be pre-operationally generated by the LSA-
SAF. It can now be used as input into the ET algorithm for the first time in view to test
the operational generation of ET maps over Europe.
The methodology, based on the tile approach, is shortly described. Each model
mesh, associated to a satellite image pixel, is considered as being a mix of
homogeneous land cover types (tiles). Calculation of energy exchange is performed
for each tile and then aggregated to derive ET at pixel level.
First ET maps obtained with MSG derived data can now be produced and are
illustrated. The method is tested at single-site level, using data from meteorological
stations and measurement campaigns from different regions of the world (Europe
and America).
