SMAP Project Enhances Ecosystem Modeling with Freeze-Thaw Data

The SMAP project is focused on integrating daily soil freeze-thaw (FT) state observations from the SMAP satellite into the CASA (Carnegie-Ames-Stanford) ecosystem model. This crucial initiative is set to significantly advance our understanding of Earth's ecosystems.

This initiative, led by Chris Potter of the SWAT Science Team, aims to enhance the accuracy of global and regional carbon flux estimates and predictions of wildfire emissions.

A new beta version of the CASA model will incorporate SMAP FT data directly, replacing the current empirical approach which uses monthly degree-days. This direct integration marks a substantial improvement in the model's foundation. The aggregated observations detailing the duration of thawed versus frozen soil conditions will be used to constrain the model more effectively, leading to more robust environmental predictions.