Performance Assessment of PySEBAL Model-Derived Evapotranspiration Using Eddy Covariance Measurements in the Philippines

Since its introduction, the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) has been widely used in different applications for environmental, agricultural, and other engineering purposes.This study was conducted to test the applicability of the Python-based SEBAL (PySEBAL) model in estimating actual evapotranspiration using Landsat imagery in the Philippines using eddy covariance ETa data.Despite inherent problems due to cloud contamination which can be associated with the season where the images were taken and the prevailing physical condition of the area, statistical analysis suggests that PySEBAL is acceptable in estimating ETa for homogeneous landscapes which is expected to perform better for non-cloudy areas.Further studies should be conducted to establish its applicability for complex heterogeneous terrains.This study supports the application of remote sensing and surface energy balance models in producing spatiotemporal estimation of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) in the absence of ground-based observations for more effective water resources management.