Using spatial context in satellite data to infer regional scale evapotranspiration

An estimate of evapotranspiration is developed by relating variations of satellite-derived surface temperature to a vegetation index computed from satellite visible and near-infrared data. The method requires independent estimates of evapotranspiration for a completely vegetated area and for a nonvegetated area, although such areas need not appear in the satellite data. A regional estimate of evapotranspiration is derived despite the lack of precise estimates for individual satellite measurements. The method requires spatial variability in the satellite data: it does not apply in uniform areas. In addition, a property is identified which permits discrimination of cirrus clouds from areas of varying soil moisture