Satellite eco-hydrology: a review

Applications of satellite remote sensing in eco-hydrology are reviewed Satellite data have been used to improve rainfall mapping and to monitor relationships between rainfall and vegetation responses. Spatial patterns of actual evapotranspiration by vegetation associations can now be calculated using satellite data with a minimum of ground meteorologic data. Vegetation and inundation dynamics and aspects of water quality of wetlands have been monitored in many parts of the tropics and elsewhere by using optical multi spectral, thermal and radar images, providing information for the management of wetlands. Natural vegetation patterns, as observed on images, can be brought in relation to groundwater occurrences and groundwater flow systems. Inventories and monitoring of vegetation in watersheds is current practice and multi spectral data is suited to determine the cover factor in soil erosion studies. New generation of satellites have sensors to improve accuracies and to develop new applications.