Estimation of Evapotranspiration Based on Energy Balance Methods and Remote Sensing: A Review of Temperature-Based Models

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical component of the hydrological cycle and surface energy balance, playing a central role in water resource management and agricultural planning. While direct and empirical methods can provide high accuracy at the point scale, they are often limited in capturing ET variability across large spatial and temporal scales. In recent years, remote sensing has emerged as a cost-effective and scalable approach for estimating ET from regional to global levels. Energy balance-based remote sensing models are generally categorized into two main types: temperature-based and conductance-based models, with performance varying across different environmental conditions. This study provides a comprehensive review of temperature-based ET models, highlighting their advantages and limitations, as well as their performance under varying conditions. It presents a comparative analysis of research conducted over the past decade. The reviewed literature was sourced from leading scientific databases to ensure a robust and representative selection. The findings aim to guide researchers and practitioners in selecting the most suitable models for specific regional or practical applications. Furthermore, recent advancements in satellite missions, including the Copernicus program and the new Landsat series, are discussed, emphasizing their potential to improve the accuracy and reliability of ET estimation models.