Use of GPS receivers as a soil moisture network for water cycle studies

TLDR

Measurements of soil moisture, both its global distribution and temporal variations, are required to study the water and carbon cycles. A global network of in situ soil moisture stations is needed to supplement datasets from satellite sensors. We demonstrate that GPS receiver signals used for precise positioning can be related to surface soil moisture variations. GPS‑derived estimates from a 300 m² area closely match conventional sensor measurements of top‑5 cm soil moisture over three months, and the global network of GPS receivers could provide near real‑time soil moisture estimates that complement future satellite missions.

Abstract

Measurements of soil moisture, both its global distribution and temporal variations, are required to study the water and carbon cycles. A global network of in situ soil moisture stations is needed to supplement datasets from satellite sensors. We demonstrate that signals routinely recorded by Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for precise positioning applications can also be related to surface soil moisture variations. Over a three month interval, GPS‐derived estimates from a 300 m 2 area closely match soil moisture fluctuations in the top 5 cm of soil measured with conventional sensors, including the rate and amount of drying following six precipitation events. Thousands of GPS receivers that exist worldwide could be used to estimate soil moisture in near real‐time, with L‐band signals that complement future satellite missions.