Earth Observation Satellites for Soil Moisture Monitoring

Dear Colleagues,

Soil moisture plays a crucial role in the exchange of water and energy within the soil–plant–atmosphere system, impacting ecosystems, water resources, and climate patterns. Its significance is acknowledged across a spectrum of environmental disciplines, encompassing meteorology, hydrology, agriculture, and climate change studies. Consequently, the precise monitoring and estimation of the spatial and temporal fluctuations in soil moisture are of special importance. Conventional point-based ground measurements fall short in capturing the spatiotemporal distribution of soil moisture on a large scale, due to their time- and labor-intensive nature. Satellite-based remote sensing offers a global-scale perspective with continuous spatiotemporal resolution, making it a cornerstone for soil moisture estimation. Through active and passive remote sensing methods, researchers have developed various soil moisture products such as SMAP, ESA CCI, and AMSR2. Despite challenges in data coverage and inversion results, continuous efforts in algorithm development and data evaluation have enhanced the quality and applicability of these products. However, there are still knowledge gaps and challenges, as well as opportunities associated with data interpretation and algorithm development.

Therefore, the journal Remote Sensing (ISSN: 2072-4292, IF 5.0, Citescore 7.9) has decided to run a Special Issue entitled “Earth Observation Satellites for Soil Moisture Monitoring”, which I am guest editing. This Special Issue aims to explore the latest developments in remote sensing techniques, from optical and thermal infrared to passive and active microwave measurements, for soil moisture monitoring. This Special Issue invites contributions focusing on the following topics:

• Advances in satellite-based soil moisture estimation techniques;
• Evaluation and validation of existing soil moisture products;
• Applications of satellite-derived soil moisture data in climate change studies, drought monitoring, and environmental management;
• Comparative studies between different observation networks and satellite products;
• Multiscale analysis of soil moisture variations and their implications.

Authors are encouraged to submit original research articles, reviews, and methodological studies that contribute to our understanding of satellite-based soil moisture monitoring, addressing sensor technologies, data processing methodologies, and applications of satellite-derived soil moisture data. We welcome interdisciplinary approaches that integrate remote sensing, hydrology, climatology, and environmental science.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions.

Dr. Jaromir Krzyszczak
Dr. Anna Siedliska
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Remote Sensing is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• remote sensing
• soil moisture
• hydrology
• agriculture
• meteorology
• climate change
• drought monitoring
• algorithm development
• data validation