23.01.2014|Potsdam: An innovative remote sensing technique, which was developed together with GFZ scientists utilizes GPS signals, reflected from ground, for soil moisture measurements in Morocco. Successful initial field experiments were performed within an scientific cooperation project of GFZ and University of Mohammedia Rabat. The main goal of the PMARS (Programme Maroc-Allemand de Recherche Scientifique) project is to provide improved soil moisture data and precise gauge measurements for hydrological models.
The innovative remote sensing data are based on the detection of reflected signals from navigation satellites (GPS and others). Two related measurement sites were installed by a joint German-Morocc science team already in December 2013. GPS antennas were directly installed at the Hassan II dam nearby Midelt to observe variations of the water reservoir level. A second installation is used to receive GPS signals reflected from ground to derive soil moisture. This innovative technique will be applied at this  site for a longer period and the data will be compared with other methods. PMARS will be a pilot project for an extensive application also at other GPS stations in Morocco. The GPS remote sensing data will be continuously recorded and are available at GFZ already immediately after the measurement for the data analysis. PMARS is funded from the BMBF and the Moroccan Research Ministry and is intended to cover a period of three years.

<link forschung ueberblick departments department-1 gpsgalileo-erdbeobachtung projekte pmars>PMARS-Info