Comparison of Land Surface Temperatures from Near-surface Measurement and Satellite-based Product

Land surface temperature (T-s) is a critical variable for understanding the surface energy exchange between land and atmosphere. Using the data measured from micrometeorological flux towers, three types of T-s, obtained using a thermal-infrared radiometer (IRT), a net radiometer, and an equation for sensible heat flux, were compared. The T-s estimated using the net radiometer was highly correlated with the T-s obtained from the IRT. Both values acceptably fit the T-s from the Terra/MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite. These results will enhance the measurement of land surface temperatures at various scales. Further, they are useful for understanding land surface energy partitioning to evaluate and develop land surface models and algorithms for satellite remote sensing products associated with surface thermal conditions.