Copernicus satellite data improves drought monitoring in Africa

Satellite Earth observation is transforming how scientists and international organizations study droughts in Africa. Because many African regions lack dense meteorological stations and ground-based measurement networks, satellite data provides a vital way to monitor vast areas and detect environmental changes that are difficult to identify from the ground.

Through the Copernicus program, new tools are being utilized to analyze land surface temperatures and soil water storage. These advancements include high-resolution global products for studying surface temperature and a new generation of the Soil Water Index (SWI), which enables daily monitoring of soil moisture at various depths.

By combining thermal, radar, and optical observations with various models, these systems help identify water stress. This is critical because rainfall alone does not prevent drought; high temperatures and increased evaporation can lead to water stress even after precipitation. Monitoring soil moisture is essential for understanding ecosystem health, agricultural development, and the hydrological cycle.