The Relationship between Land Surface Temperature and Soil Moisture in the Ecosystem of the Region – An Applied Study Based on Data from Shahat Station for the Period 1981–2024

Abstract

The study focuses on the relationship between land surface temperature and soil moisture at Shahat Station during the period 1981–2024, using monthly and annual data. The results show that surface soil is the most affected by rising temperatures, with soil moisture decreasing to 0.2 in summer and increasing to 0.5 in winter, while root-zone soil moisture remains relatively stable between 0.4–0.5 and deep soil moisture stays nearly constant at 0.4–0.5. Correlation analysis reveals a very strong inverse relationship between land surface temperature and surface soil moisture (−0.96), a strong inverse relationship in the root zone (−0.87), and a weaker inverse relationship in deep soil (−0.78). Precipitation enhances soil moisture levels, whereas solar radiation increases evaporation. These findings confirm that surface soil is highly sensitive to climatic variations, while deeper soil layers exhibit greater stability, reflecting differences in soil water dynamics. The study provides a scientific basis for water resource management and environmental planning in semi-arid regions