FIFE Soil Moisture Neutron Probe Data

Over two years of volumetric soil water content measurements were collected from the FIFE study area between May 1987 and August 1989. The data were compiled using the neutron thermalization method, which calibrates thermal neutron density against water concentration. This dataset provides a time series of in-situ soil moisture observations for a specific ecological research site.

Use Cases

• Validating satellite-derived soil moisture estimates based on in-situ neutron probe measurements.
• Analyzing temporal soil moisture trends over a multi-year period for a specific research area.
• Calibrating or testing hydrological models using volumetric water content data.
• Studying land-atmosphere interactions within the FIFE experimental framework.

Strengths

• Provides a continuous time series spanning over two years, from May 1987 to August 1989.
• Data collection follows a standardized physical measurement method (neutron thermalization).
• Dataset is hosted on multiple authoritative platforms, indicating recognized scientific value.

Limitations

• Column names and a precise row count are not provided by any source, limiting understanding of data structure.
• Conflicting metadata exists: one platform lists a last update in 2026, while another indicates the data ended in 1989.
• Documentation is limited to the measurement principle, with no details on specific sampling locations or data file formats.

Provenance

Source

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Collection Method

Measurements compiled using the neutron method (neutron thermalization principle).

Time Range

May 1987 through August 1989

Freshness

The most recent platform update was listed as 2026-04-09, though the core data collection ended in 1989.

Geography

FIFE (First ISLSCP Field Experiment) study area