A Remote Sensing Model Estimating Lake Evaporation

There is a need to create an accurate and convenient method to measure lake evaporation loss that can be used internationally. The research in this paper developed a remote sensing tool to estimate evaporation loss from reservoirs to aid international water delivery management. The model uses the energy balance principle to measure evaporation depth (mm/day). The evaporation depth has a high temporal resolution (1 day) and a moderate spatial resolution (1000 m by 1000 m). The model is written in C++ as a user-friendly software package. The model uses MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite data (L1B raw data) and local weather data (radiation, wind speed, and humidity). The model was calibrated and evaluated using reservoir data. The model accuracy is acceptable and is capable for aiding international water delivery management.