Elements for developing an operational hidrology using remote sensing: bare soil

The use of remote sensing in hydrological applications has been limited and oriented to the estimation of the values of parameters of models with different complexities. Using the curve number paradigm for modeling the precipitation-runoff relationship, this paper presents the elements for developing an operational hydrology based only in spectral information of remote sensing for the case of bare soil. The moisture-reflectance relationship is analyzed and modeled using a simple relationship which was validated with field and laboratory data (reflectance measurements). The temporal evolution of soil moisture and reflectances are analyzed and modeled through linear segments in such a way that only one parameter is required, time to drying, for the complete characterization. The results of field experiments were used in order to validate the model proposal.