Satellite Rainfall Applications for Surface Hydrology

While there are a growing number of high-resolution space-based systems for measuring precipitation, instances of the use of these products for surface hydrology are rare. This book, which covers both scientific and practical matters, aims to change that. With contributions from a panel of researchers from a wide range of fields, the chapters focus on evaluating the potential, utility and application of high resolution satellite precipitation products in relation to surface hydrology. Focusing on the way the algorithms for the precipitation products evolved, the accuracy assessment of those products in different regions of the world, and the application of the precipitation products to various decision support systems, the book is at the interface between satellite rainfall and surface hydrologic applications. It dwells on issues that are of concern at hydrologic scales of application. In doing so, it provides very useful information to practitioners, researchers and graduate students who need to explore the latest on satellite precipitation products for various hydrological purposes. Crucially, the book provides examples of real-world applications of satellite rainfall products in operational hydrology and real-time decision-making. This enables readers to understand the potential of satellite rainfall products for practical applications ranging from agricultural/crop monitoring to flood and landslide detection in developing countries. Dr. Mekonnen Gebremichael is Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He has extensively published in the field of satellite remote sensing of hydrology. His research projects are funded by NASA, NSF and USAID, among others. Dr. Gebremichael is the recipient of awards including NASAs New Investigator Program and IBM Faculty Award. Dr. Faisal Hossain is Associate Professor of Water Resources in the Civil Engineering departmentof Tennessee Technological University. He has over 50 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of groundwater contamination mapping, flood prediction, satellite precipitation, transboundary water resources issues and engineering education. He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions such as NASA New Investigator Program, American Society of Engineering Education Outstanding New Faculty Research Award and Top Performer Rating by NSF Alan T Waterman Award Committee.