Inter-comparison of satellite-retrieved and Global Land Data Assimilation System-simulated soil moisture datasets for global drought analysis

The multi-satellite-retrieved (ESA CCI SM) and the Global Land Data Assimilation System-Noah-simulated (GLDAS-Noah) surface soil moisture (SM) datasets are compared for global drought analysis over a multi-decadal time period (1991–2015). Global drought events and their duration, frequency and severity are assessed on a grid basis with soil moisture anomaly percentage index (SMAPI). The results show that the ESA CCI SM and the GLDAS-Noah based...