Global Evapotranspiration Data from FLUXNET and Satellite Sources (2001-2016)

FLUXNET and satellite-derived variables support a modified Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory model for estimating global evapotranspiration. The dataset includes 8-day FLUXNET measurements and satellite-derived variables for all FLUXNET sites, culminating in global annual mean ET estimates from 2001 to 2016. Author Xu published this dataset on figshare in March 2026.

Use Cases

• Calibrate the modified Priestley–Taylor JPL model by comparing its global annual mean ET outputs against FLUXNET-measured ET from specific sites.
• Analyze the relationship between satellite-derived variables like LAI, VPD, and NR (net radiation) and the ground-measured ET from FLUXNET towers.
• Investigate spatial patterns of evapotranspiration by joining site-level data using the provided latitude and longitude columns.
• Validate satellite-based soil heat flux and air density estimates against FLUXNET-measured variables like TEM (temperature) and PRE (precipitation) at co-located sites.
• Study interannual variability and trends in ET from 2001 to 2016 using the provided global annual time series.

Strengths

• Provides a 16-year global time series (2001-2016) for analyzing long-term evapotranspiration trends.
• Integrates ground-based FLUXNET measurements (e.g., ET, TEM, LAI) with satellite-derived variables (e.g., RH, pressure, water vapor density) for validation.
• Dataset is structured for direct use with a specific biosphere model (modified Priestley–Taylor JPL).

Limitations

• The exact number of FLUXNET sites and rows of data is unspecified, making scale assessment difficult.
• Data is provided in the proprietary MAT file format, requiring MATLAB or specific libraries for access.
• Temporal resolution is mixed (8-day for FLUXNET, annual for global model output), which may complicate some analyses.

Provenance

Source

FLUXNET network for ground measurements and satellite remote sensing sources.

Collection Method

Combines processed 8-day FLUXNET site data with satellite-derived variables, used as input for a modified Priestley–Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory model.

Time Range

2001 to 2016

Freshness

Dataset was last updated in March 2026, indicating recent curation.

Geography

Global, with specific point locations from the FLUXNET site network.