The recent Science Talks of the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters brought together prominent scientists to explore the role of Remote Sensing US-MX Border in advancing hydrological modeling and binational collaboration. Moderated by Elia Tapia and Gabriela Rendón, the event featured Dr. Saúl, Laura Rodríguez Lozada (Texas A&M University), and Randall Hanson (One Water Hydrologic), each contributing valuable insights into how satellite-based data strengthens our understanding of transboundary water systems.
Dr. Saúl emphasized the lack of ground-based data across Latin America and Mexico: “Without the proper data we cannot do hydrological modeling with sufficient integration,” he explained, pointing to Remote Sensing US-MX Border as an invaluable source of continuous, borderless, and scalable data. His work, though focused on Costa Rica, demonstrates the broader potential of satellite tools for water management across the Americas.
Laura Rodríguez Lozada discussed her research on the IAPN aquifer between Texas and Coahuila, using remote sensing and numerical modeling to confirm transboundary groundwater flow. “Remote sensors mostly don’t have boundaries,” she noted. “They help us cover areas with lack of information on both sides of the border.” Her use of evapotranspiration data from GeoDEUS and precipitation from TRMM illustrates how freely available NASA datasets are transforming groundwater science in shared basins.
Randall Hanson reinforced that Remote Sensing US-MX Border is “fundamental” to integrated hydrological models. “It allows us to span multiple flow equations and simulate land–surface–climate interactions,” he said, sharing examples from California that have direct methodological relevance to border-region basins like the Lower Rio Grande.
Beyond data, all speakers stressed the need to simplify scientific communication and improve data accessibility. “We need to make our models and results available to decision-makers and the public,” urged Dr. Saúl, advocating for platforms that democratize hydrological information.
This session of Science Talks reaffirmed that Remote Sensing US-MX Border is more than a technological asset—it’s a bridge for scientific cooperation, sustainable management, and policy alignment across two nations.