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Introduction
The surface of the earth is the gateway for energy (heat), moisture, and trace gases to
enter or leave the atmosphere. It also is where kinetic energy of mass motion is extracted
from the atmosphere. Global and regional climate models require accurate information on the
rates of input of heat and moisture and extraction of momentum (kinetic energy). An amount per
unit time of some quantity (heat, mass, momentum, etc) passing through a surface is known as a
flux. Soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer models (SVATs) are used to link to global and
regional climate models to more accurately describe how soil, vegetation, and water surfaces
exchange fluxes with the atmosphere.