Hydrologic applications for SMAP and SMOS surface soil moisture retrieval products

Surface soil moisture products generated by recent L-band radiometer missions have significant potential for enhancing hydrologic stream flow prediction. Here, we objectively evaluate this potential using data sets generated by both the ESA SMOS and NASA SMAP satellite missions. Evaluation is based on their ability to improve the representation of both 1) pre-storm antecedent soil moisture conditions and 2) within-storm rainfall accumulation depths. Results demonstrate that SMOS and SMAP surface soil moisture products can significantly improve both key aspects of a hydrologic prediction system.