This class discusses the methods available for remote sensing of the components of the terrestrial hydrologic cycle and how to use them. Topics include the hydrologic cycle, relevant sensor types and the electromagnetic spectrum, active/passive microwave remote sensing (snow, soil moisture, rainfall), thermal sensing of evapotranspiration, gravity and hyperspectral methods, as well as an introduction to orbits, calibration/validation approaches for remote sensing and other topics common to remote sensing efforts in hydrology. Required pre-requisite: programming experience. Please complete problem set 0 to ensure pre-requisite programming knowledge is sufficient for success in the course
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
This class discusses the methods available for remote sensing of the components of the terrestrial hydrologic cycle and how to use them. Topics include the hydrologic cycle, relevant sensor types and the electromagnetic spectrum, active/passive microwave remote sensing (snow, soil moisture, rainfall), thermal sensing of evapotranspiration, gravity and hyperspectral methods, as well as an introduction to orbits, calibration/validation approaches for remote sensing and other topics common to remote sensing efforts in hydrology. Required pre-requisite: programming experience. Please complete problem set 0 to ensure pre-requisite programming knowledge is sufficient for success in the course
Offered in Winter 2026 at Stanford University.