Non-stationarity in the terrestrial water cycle and its interlinkages in the Anthropocene: Insights from land data assimilation
Sujay V Kumar
NOAA/CSL
9 October, 2pm
Abstract:
Quantifying spatio-temporal variations in terrestrial water, energy, and vegetation conditions is difficult due to the considerable complexity and variety of these factors, all influenced by climate change and human activities. To tackle this difficulty, Earth Observations (EOs) of terrestrial environments and their application inside data assimilation (DA) systems are essential. Satellite EOs are particularly relevant, as they offer quasi-global coverage, are non-intrusive, and provide uniformity, rapid measurements, and continuity. Over the past several decades, there has been extraordinary expansion in the quantity and diversity of terrestrial remote sensing technology used by space agencies and commercial enterprises globally. This talk will outline initiatives at NASA to utilize the integration of various land surface remote sensing data to comprehend the magnitude and origins of alterations in the global terrestrial water cycle. Recent attempts indicate that non-stationarity patterns are dominant in critical water budget components, including terrestrial water storage, evapotranspiration, and runoff, predominantly influenced by anthropogenic sources. The talk will also emphasize the necessity of exploring alternative methodologies for assessing hydrometeorological extremes due to the nonstationary alterations in the water cycle resulting from climate change and human activities.