Drought Monitor Creation using SMAP L4 Soil Moisture Data

Hussein, Aziza I, Atia, Manar Marwan, Ekpo, Sunday ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9219-3759, Alyami, Ghadah S, Elias, Fanuel and Mabrook, M Mourad (2024) Drought Monitor Creation using SMAP L4 Soil Moisture Data. In: The Third International Adaptive and Sustainable Science, Engineering and Technology Conference (ASSET 2024), 16 July 2024 - 18 July 2024, Manchester, United Kingdom. (In Press)

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Abstract

The socioeconomic and ecological consequences of drought are substantial. Vigilance in soil moisture surveillance is instrumental for effectual drought governance. The manuscript delineates a novel stratagem to devise a drought surveillance mechanism deploying granular SMAP L4 soil moisture datasets. This technique introduces the computation of a Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSMI) that segregates drought into quintuple classifications. Periodic, hebdomadal modifications reflect the dynamism in pedosphere aridity. Comparative analyses corroborate the congruence with extant aridity indicators, endorsing its utility in strategic drought response endeavours. The method's adaptability is noteworthy, as it permits employment in regions bereft of com-prehensive terrestrial monitoring systems.