The utilisation of earth observation (EO) data in hydrological sciences has made much progress over the last few years, but several requirements still need to be met in order to enhance the use and acceptance of EO technology by the water cycle- and climate communities. According to Fernandez-Prieto et al. (2012) important requirements are
· Improve interdisciplinary collaboration and dialogue
· Promote inter-comparison and assessment exercises
· Enhance understanding of multi-scale inconsistencies
· Advance in the understanding of the full potential of novel missions
· Maximise the exploitation of multi-mission, multi-product synergies
· Exploit data archives towards long-term data records
· Promote higher resolution observations and integration into operational hydrology and water management practices at basin scale
This study will contribute in an important way to all of these requirements by addressing two grand themes:
Theme 1: Characterising the global water budget
Theme 2: Enhancing the use of EO technology for hydrology at basin scales
