ABSTRACT
Remote sensing methods for estimating evapotranspiration (ET) are needed for tropical conditions. Various techniques have been developed based on radiation [17] and surface energy budget methods [1, 5]. In this study a solar radiation based methodology is used for estimating reference and actual ET for the Caribbean region. Remote sensing of solar radiation has several important advantages over the use of pyranometers networks including large spatial coverage, relatively high spatial resolution, and the availability of data in remote, inaccessible regions and countries that may not have the means to install a ground-based pyranometers network [17]. This chapter introduces a remote sensing methodology to estimate reference ET for Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Actual ET is estimated for Puerto Rico using an energy balance technique and applied in a water balance calculation. Results for surface runoff, aquifer recharge and soil moisture are presented. The development of the methodology has advanced more quickly in Puerto Rico; therefore, the information presented here can be considered a prototype of what is being developed for the other two countries (i.e., Haiti and the Dominican Republic). This methodology can also be used for other tropical regions of the world.
