Sensor Technology for Weather and Terrain
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to review weather effects on soil moisture and combat engineering. It considers current means of obtaining soil moisture information from weather models, surface observation reports, and remote sensing sources. The methodologies used for different types of ground moisture probes, and, in particular, time domain reflectometers (TDR) are explained. It also explains how the measurements that the TDR probes give can be validated and calibrated for different soil types. Soil moisture information affects operational considerations for combat engineering and ground mobility considerations in particular. And, it has significant applicability to simulations and wargames. The scope of this study was limited in several respects. It did not consider the details of operating the soil moisture probes or of implementing soil moisture measurements into simulations or wargames. Different ways of modeling precipitation or the areal flow of groundwater are not discussed. Tables of soil moisture values are currently provided for only one soil type and type of moisture probe. Thus, conclusions about the usefulness of different types of probes for various soil types are limited in this respect.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA383546
Entities
People
- Andrew W. Harrell
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center