Evapotranspiration estimated by using datasets from the Chinese FengYun-2D geostationary meteorological satellite over the Yellow River source area

In this paper, we developed algorithms to estimate hourly evapotranspiration (ET) during a day under clear and cloud cover conditions using data from the Chinese FengYun-2D (FY-2D) geostationary meteorological satellite over the Yellow River source area. For cloud-free conditions, the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) methodology and FY-2D data were used to derive the hourly ET. For cloudy cover conditions, the transmission coefficient was calculated using top of atmosphere (TOA) reflectance and the attenuation of solar radiation in the atmosphere. Heat fluxes and ET under different atmospheric and cloud cover conditions were then calculated. Compared with ground-based measurements from eddy covariance systems deployed in the Maqu Climate and Environment Comprehensive Observation Station, the average relative error was 15.20% during the experimental period. The proposed methodology can rely exclusively on remote sensing data in the absence of ancillary ground observations. Thus, the proposed method can potentially estimate the regional surface energy budget.