Estimation of land surface evapotranspiration in the western Chinese Loess Plateau using remote sensing

Estimation of land surface evapotranspiration (ET) using remote sensing is increasingly becoming an effective approach to approximating the moisture and heat exchanges between soil and atmosphere systems. The ET in the western Chinese Loess Plateau is comprehensively estimated by inputting NOAA/AVHRR data-derived parameters into surface energy balance system (SEBS) model. The observed data in the western Chinese Loess Plateau are used to verify the estimates of input variables. ET estimation in this research shows that ET in the western Chinese Loess Plateau is primarily determined by vegetation coverage. Topography also plays an important role in controlling the estimated ET spatial distribution. This study also demonstrate the remote sensing-aided surface energy balance model can be used to estimate ET in semiarid areas.