We propose to develop a new root zone soil moisture product (rzsm). The proposed product (soil moisture merge - smerge) will be extensively validated and will be optimized based on the highest quality…

This is a $247,213 grant awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, to develop a new root zone soil moisture product (RZSM) called SMERGE. The goal is to create a comprehensive dataset spanning over 35 years (1978-2017) to support climate change detection and enable timely reporting on soil moisture, which is an undermonitored variable in the hydrologic cycle. The project will involve extensive validation of the SMERGE product and development of soil moisture indicators to support the agricultural sector. This effort is aligned with the National Climate Assessment's objectives to improve data collection and engagement with diverse stakeholders. The grant will also support the involvement of graduate students from minority backgrounds and a post-doctoral associate, furthering the goals of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. There is no set-aside designation mentioned for this grant award.

We propose to develop a new root zone soil moisture product (rzsm). The proposed product (soil moisture merge - smerge) will be extensively validated and will be optimized based on the highest quality satellite microwave retrievals available. From smerge a suite of soil moisture indicators will be developed to support climate change detection. Smerge will span over 35 years (1978 to 2017) supporting long-term assessment activities. Smerge will not be a static product and will be set up in a way to enable its update as new retrievals and resources become available. The developed rzsm indicators will allow for timely reporting and enhanced public understanding of what has been one of the least monitored variables within the hydrologic cycle. As such we will fill a critical data need supporting a sector specific climate assessment within the area of agriculture. The proposed research will also advance the understanding of how rzsm can be modulated by teleconnections like enso that are known to have a profound impact on hydrologic extremes at regional scales. This proposal is relevant to the goals and objectives stated in the NCA in several respects. Specifically this work will feed into a long-term, sustained process of climate assessment. We seek to improve the collection of assessment-related critical data that will be broadly disseminated to diverse stakeholders within the agricultural community. The north plains regional climate hub will play an instrumental role in this effort. This study will close the GAP between climate scientists and stakeholders by developing a robust suite of soil moisture indicators that can serve as a decision support tool for the agricultural sector. As such we will foster a productive dialog and promote engagement by diverse end-users. Existing institutional resources at NASA earth science data and information services center (GES disc) and texas a & m international university, center for earth and environmental studies will support smerge s development. Finally, involvement of graduate students from a minority background as well as support for a post-doctoral associate will support the goals of the usgcrp and NCA in terms of developing a pool of assessment capable scientists.