Surface Flux Equilibrium Theory-Derived Evapotranspiration Estimate Outperforms ECOSTRESS, MODIS, and SSEBop products

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical process influencing energy, water, and carbon cycles. Numerous methods have been developed to estimate ET accurately and robustly across diverse scales. Many of these methods are constrained by reliance on remote sensing data, which is prone to gaps, or by the need for model calibration and training. This study evaluates the performance of the calibration-free Surface Flux Equilibrium Theory (SFET) for ET estimation at 33 Ameriflux sites in the continental USA. SFET-derived ET estimates are intercompared with widely used continental remote sensing products, including ECOSTRESS, MODIS, and SSEBop. Results indicate that SFET consistently outperforms these ET products. SFET’s performance is found to be better under wet conditions and clear skies, with reduced accuracy under arid and high evaporative stress conditions. Overall, SFET exhibits significant potential for providing accurate, continuous, long-term ET estimates, paving the way for operational application in uninstrumented regions over large scales.