A Review of Soil Moisture Data in China: Definitions, Sources, and Applications in Hydrometeorology Research

Année de publication

2025

Soil moisture (SM) is a key land surface hydrological variable that regulates energy, water, and carbon exchanges between the land and the atmosphere, as well as connecting hydrological, meteorological, and environmental sciences. For decades, SM data have been measured, simulated, and then utilized for various research in China. In this paper, we summarize recent progress of SM data and their hydrometeorological applications in China and then propose some future research prospects. First, we introduce the terminology and description of SM in various formats, followed by the primary SM data sources along with their strengths and weaknesses. Then, recent advances in SM applications for drought detection, land-atmosphere interactions, and climate prediction are thoroughly discussed. Based on the above findings, it is recommended that 1) future developments of SM data should undertake more intensive in situ measurements, carry out high-quality modeling experiments along with upgraded numerical models, and build novel data fusion technology; 2) ongoing efforts should be emphasized on enhancing the representation of SM-related physical processes and taking into account the anthropogenic influences on SM in the land surface models; 3) SM drought should reinforce its onset and demise mechanisms, as well as its precursor signals in both terrestrial and atmospheric systems; and 4) more innovative methods are needed to distinguish the impacts of SM on climate variability from other drivers. With these efforts, research on SM would help us to understand the mechanisms underlying its interconnected changes in the Earth system.</div>

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