'Huntsville '96' was an experiment in ground-based remote sensing to acquir
e data needed to test and refine algorithms to estimate soil moisture on ba
re and vegetated plots. Remote sensing instruments included a L, S, and C-b
and microwave radiometer and a L, C, and X-band radar. The remote sensing m
easurements were supported with automated and manual measurements of numero
us soil and vegetation variables. The remote sensing instruments were able
to detect both the large surface moisture changes due to rainfall and subse
quent drying as well as the diurnal fluctuations in moisture. These data wi
ll be used to refine techniques to estimate moisture in the surface layer o
f soil, address issues related to the sensitivity of algorithms, the integr
ation of data from passive and active systems, and the use of surface soil
moisture estimates to increase the accuracy of soil moisture profile estima
tes. Although in-depth analyses of the data are underway, collaboration wit
h other investigators is being encouraged.