Articles | Volume 26, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2345-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Special issue:
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2345-2022
© Author(s) 2022. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
05 May 2022
Research article |
| 05 May 2022
| 05 May 2022
Satellite observations reveal 13 years of reservoir filling strategies, operating rules, and hydrological alterations in the Upper Mekong River basin
Dung Trung Vu
Pillar of Engineering Systems and Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
Thanh Duc Dang
Pillar of Engineering Systems and Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
Stefano Galelli
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Pillar of Engineering Systems and Design, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
Faisal Hossain
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Dung Trung Vu, Thanh Duc Dang, Francesca Pianosi, and Stefano Galelli
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3485–3504, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3485-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3485-2023, 2023
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The calibration of hydrological models over extensive spatial domains is often challenged by the lack of data on river discharge and the operations of hydraulic infrastructures. Here, we use satellite data to address the lack of data that could unintentionally bias the calibration process. Our study is underpinned by a computational framework that quantifies this bias and provides a safe approach to the calibration of models in poorly gauged and heavily regulated basins.
Sanchit Minocha, Faisal Hossain, Pritam Das, Sarath Suresh, Shahzaib Khan, George Darkwah, Hyongki Lee, Stefano Galelli, Konstantinos Andreadis, and Perry Oddo
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 3137–3156, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-3137-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-3137-2024, 2024
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The Reservoir Assessment Tool (RAT) merges satellite data with hydrological models, enabling robust estimation of reservoir parameters like inflow, outflow, surface area, and storage changes around the world. Version 3.0 of RAT lowers the barrier of entry for new users and achieves scalability and computational efficiency. RAT 3.0 also facilitates open-source development of functions for continuous improvement to mobilize and empower the global water management community.
Dung Trung Vu, Thanh Duc Dang, Francesca Pianosi, and Stefano Galelli
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3485–3504, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3485-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3485-2023, 2023
Short summary
Short summary
The calibration of hydrological models over extensive spatial domains is often challenged by the lack of data on river discharge and the operations of hydraulic infrastructures. Here, we use satellite data to address the lack of data that could unintentionally bias the calibration process. Our study is underpinned by a computational framework that quantifies this bias and provides a safe approach to the calibration of models in poorly gauged and heavily regulated basins.
Sarath Suresh, Faisal Hossain, Sanchit Minocha, Pritam Das, Shahzaib Khan, Hyongki Lee, Konstantinos Andreadis, and Perry Oddo
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-193, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-193, 2023
Manuscript not accepted for further review
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Using entirely space-based data we explored how well can we predict the fast evolving dynamics of a flooding event in the mountainous region of Kerala during the 2018 disastrous floods. The tool, Reservoir Assessment Tool (RAT) was applied and found to have actionable accuracy in predicting the state of the Kerala reservoirs entirely from space to foster better coordinated management in future for reservoir operations.
Donghoon Lee, Jia Yi Ng, Stefano Galelli, and Paul Block
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 2431–2448, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2431-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2431-2022, 2022
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To fully realize the potential of seasonal streamflow forecasts in the hydropower industry, we need to understand the relationship between reservoir design specifications, forecast skill, and value. Here, we rely on realistic forecasts and simulated hydropower operations for 753 dams worldwide to unfold such relationship. Our analysis shows how forecast skill affects hydropower production, what type of dams are most likely to benefit from seasonal forecasts, and where these dams are located.
Thanh Duc Dang, A. F. M. Kamal Chowdhury, and Stefano Galelli
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 397–416, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-397-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-397-2020, 2020
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A common problem in catchment hydrology lies in the representation of dams in numerical models. Here, we contribute to the existing literature by showing that the representation of water reservoirs can largely impact the model parameters, a result attained by comparing the parameters of a model for the upper Mekong basin built with or without reservoirs. We show that a flawed parameter estimation affects the representation of key physical processes and the downstream applications of the model.
Sean W. D. Turner, James C. Bennett, David E. Robertson, and Stefano Galelli
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4841–4859, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4841-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4841-2017, 2017
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This study investigates the relationship between skill and value of ensemble seasonal streamflow forecasts. Using data from a modern forecasting system, we show that skilled forecasts are more likely to provide benefits for reservoirs operated to maintain a target water level rather than reservoirs operated to satisfy a target demand. We identify the primary causes for this behaviour and provide specific recommendations for assessing the value of forecasts for reservoirs with supply objectives.
S. Galelli and A. Castelletti
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 2669–2684, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2669-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-2669-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Water Resources Management | Techniques and Approaches: Remote Sensing and GIS
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The development of an operational system for estimating irrigation water use reveals socio-political dynamics in Ukraine
The Wetland Intrinsic Potential tool: mapping wetland intrinsic potential through machine learning of multi-scale remote sensing proxies of wetland indicators
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Monitoring the combined effects of drought and salinity stress on crops using remote sensing in the Netherlands
A framework for irrigation performance assessment using WaPOR data: the case of a sugarcane estate in Mozambique
Satellite soil moisture data assimilation for improved operational continental water balance prediction
Mapping groundwater abstractions from irrigated agriculture: big data, inverse modeling, and a satellite–model fusion approach
Multi-constellation GNSS interferometric reflectometry with mass-market sensors as a solution for soil moisture monitoring
Can we trust remote sensing evapotranspiration products over Africa?
Influence of multi-decadal land use, irrigation practices and climate on riparian corridors across the Upper Missouri River headwaters basin, Montana
Developing GIS-based water poverty and rainwater harvesting suitability maps for domestic use in the Dead Sea region (West Bank, Palestine)
Estimating daily evapotranspiration based on a model of evaporative fraction (EF) for mixed pixels
Estimating irrigation water use over the contiguous United States by combining satellite and reanalysis soil moisture data
A conceptual model of organochlorine fate from a combined analysis of spatial and mid- to long-term trends of surface and ground water contamination in tropical areas (FWI)
Spatio-temporal assessment of annual water balance models for upper Ganga Basin
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Performance of the METRIC model in estimating evapotranspiration fluxes over an irrigated field in Saudi Arabia using Landsat-8 images
The predictability of reported drought events and impacts in the Ebro Basin using six different remote sensing data sets
A multi-sensor data-driven methodology for all-sky passive microwave inundation retrieval
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Downstream ecosystem responses to middle reach regulation of river discharge in the Heihe River Basin, China
Combining satellite observations to develop a global soil moisture product for near-real-time applications
Supplemental irrigation potential and impact on downstream flow of Karkheh River basin in Iran
Mapping evapotranspiration with high-resolution aircraft imagery over vineyards using one- and two-source modeling schemes
Spatial evapotranspiration, rainfall and land use data in water accounting – Part 1: Review of the accuracy of the remote sensing data
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An original interpretation of the wet edge of the surface temperature–albedo space to estimate crop evapotranspiration (SEB-1S), and its validation over an irrigated area in northwestern Mexico
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 441–457, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-441-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-441-2024, 2024
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This study provides a comparison of methodologies to quantify irrigation to enhance regional irrigation estimates. To evaluate the methodologies, we compared various approaches to quantify irrigation using soil moisture, evapotranspiration, or both within a novel baseline framework, together with irrigation estimates from other studies. We show that the synergy from using two equally important components in a joint approach within a baseline framework yields better irrigation estimates.
Jacopo Dari, Paolo Filippucci, and Luca Brocca
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We have developed the first operational system (10-day latency) for estimating irrigation water use from accessible satellite and reanalysis data. As a proof of concept, the method has been implemented over an irrigated area fed by the Kakhovka reservoir, in Ukraine, collapsed on June 6, 2023. Estimates in the period 2015–2023 reveal that, as expected, the irrigation season of 2023 was characterized by the lowest amounts.
Meghan Halabisky, Dan Miller, Anthony J. Stewart, Amy Yahnke, Daniel Lorigan, Tate Brasel, and Ludmila Monika Moskal
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3687–3699, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3687-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3687-2023, 2023
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Accurate wetland inventories are critical to monitor and protect wetlands. However, in many areas a large proportion of wetlands are unmapped because they are hard to detect in imagery. We developed a machine learning approach using spatially mapped variables of wetland indicators (i.e., vegetation, hydrology, soils), including novel multi-scale topographic indicators, to predict wetland probability. Our approach can be adapted to diverse landscapes to improve wetland detection.
Ibrahim Nourein Mohammed, Elkin Giovanni Romero Bustamante, John Dennis Bolten, and Everett James Nelson
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3621–3642, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3621-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3621-2023, 2023
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We present an open-source platform in response to the NASA Open-Source Science Initiative for accessing and presenting quantitative remote-sensing earth observation,and climate data. With our platform scientists, stakeholders and concerned citizens can engage in the exploration, modeling, and understanding of data. We envisioned this platform as lowering the technical barriers and simplifying the process of accessing and leveraging additional modeling frameworks for data.
Wen Wen, Joris Timmermans, Qi Chen, and Peter M. van Bodegom
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 4537–4552, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4537-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-4537-2022, 2022
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A novel approach for evaluating individual and combined impacts of drought and salinity in real-life settings is proposed using Sentinel-2. We found that crop responses to drought and salinity differ between growth stages. Compared to salinity, crop growth is most strongly affected by drought stress and is, in general, further exacerbated when co-occurring with salinity stress. Our approach facilitates a way to monitor crop health under multiple stresses with potential large-scale applications.
Abebe D. Chukalla, Marloes L. Mul, Pieter van der Zaag, Gerardo van Halsema, Evaristo Mubaya, Esperança Muchanga, Nadja den Besten, and Poolad Karimi
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 2759–2778, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2759-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2759-2022, 2022
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New techniques to monitor the performance of irrigation schemes are vital to improve land and water productivity. We developed a framework and applied the remotely sensed FAO WaPOR dataset to assess uniformity, equity, adequacy, and land and water productivity at the Xinavane sugarcane estate, segmented by three irrigation methods. The developed performance assessment framework and the Python script in Jupyter Notebooks can aid in such irrigation performance analysis in other regions.
Siyuan Tian, Luigi J. Renzullo, Robert C. Pipunic, Julien Lerat, Wendy Sharples, and Chantal Donnelly
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4567–4584, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4567-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4567-2021, 2021
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Accurate daily continental water balance predictions are valuable in monitoring and forecasting water availability and land surface conditions. A simple and robust method was developed for an operational water balance model to constrain model predictions temporally and spatially with satellite soil moisture observations. The improved soil water storage prediction can provide constraints in model forecasts that persist for several weeks.
Oliver Miguel López Valencia, Kasper Johansen, Bruno José Luis Aragón Solorio, Ting Li, Rasmus Houborg, Yoann Malbeteau, Samer AlMashharawi, Muhammad Umer Altaf, Essam Mohammed Fallatah, Hari Prasad Dasari, Ibrahim Hoteit, and Matthew Francis McCabe
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5251–5277, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5251-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5251-2020, 2020
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The agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia has expanded rapidly over the last few decades, supported by non-renewable groundwater abstraction. This study describes a novel data–model fusion approach to compile national-scale groundwater abstractions and demonstrates its use over 5000 individual center-pivot fields. This method will allow both farmers and water management agencies to make informed water accounting decisions across multiple spatial and temporal scales.
Angel Martín, Sara Ibáñez, Carlos Baixauli, Sara Blanc, and Ana Belén Anquela
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3573–3582, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3573-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3573-2020, 2020
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In the case study presented in this paper, the GNSS-IR technique was used to monitor soil moisture during 66 d, from 3 December 2018 to 6 February 2019, in the installations of the Cajamar Centre of Experiences, Paiporta, Valencia, Spain. Two main objectives were pursued. The first was the extension of the technique to a multi-constellation solution using GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO satellites, and the second was to test whether mass-market sensors could be used for this technique.
Imeshi Weerasinghe, Wim Bastiaanssen, Marloes Mul, Li Jia, and Ann van Griensven
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 1565–1586, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1565-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-1565-2020, 2020
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Water resource allocation to various sectors requires an understanding of the hydrological cycle, where evapotranspiration (ET) is a key component. Satellite-derived products estimate ET but are hard to evaluate at large scales. This work presents an alternate evaluation methodology to point-scale observations in Africa. The paper enables users to select an ET product based on their performance regarding selected criteria using a ranking system. The highest ranked products are WaPOR and CMRSET.
Melanie K. Vanderhoof, Jay R. Christensen, and Laurie C. Alexander
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 4269–4292, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4269-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-4269-2019, 2019
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We evaluated trends (1984–2016) in riparian wetness across the Upper Missouri River headwaters basin during peak irrigation months (June, July and August). We found that 8 of the 19 riparian reaches across the basin showed a significant drying trend from 1984 to 2016. The temporal drying trends persisted after removing variability attributable to climate. Instead, the drying trends co-occurred with a shift towards center-pivot irrigation across the basin.
Sameer M. Shadeed, Tariq G. Judeh, and Mohammad N. Almasri
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1581–1592, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1581-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1581-2019, 2019
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The paper aimed to develop DWP and DRWHS maps in the West Bank (Palestine) using an integrated GIS-based MCDA approach. The obtained maps will assist the decision makers to formulate proper strategies including the development of efficient and comprehensive water resource management strategies in trying to bridge the increasing water supply–demand gap for domestic purposes in the West Bank as a recognized area in the Dead Sea region which is facing a series water resource shortage challenges.
Fugen Li, Xiaozhou Xin, Zhiqing Peng, and Qinhuo Liu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 949–969, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-949-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-949-2019, 2019
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This study proposes a simple but efficient model for estimating daily evapotranspiration considering heterogeneity of mixed pixels. In order to do so, an equation to calculate evapotranspiration fraction (EF) of mixed pixels was derived based on two key hypotheses. The model is easy to apply and is independent and easy to be embedded in the traditional remote sensing algorithms of heat fluxes to get daily ET.
Felix Zaussinger, Wouter Dorigo, Alexander Gruber, Angelica Tarpanelli, Paolo Filippucci, and Luca Brocca
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 897–923, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-897-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-897-2019, 2019
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About 70 % of global freshwater is consumed by irrigation. Yet, policy-relevant estimates of irrigation water use (IWU) are virtually lacking at regional to global scales. To bridge this gap, we develop a method for quantifying IWU from a combination of state-of-the-art remotely sensed and modeled soil moisture products and apply it over the United States for the period 2013–2016. Overall, our estimates agree well with reference data on irrigated area and irrigation water withdrawals.
Philippe Cattan, Jean-Baptiste Charlier, Florence Clostre, Philippe Letourmy, Luc Arnaud, Julie Gresser, and Magalie Jannoyer
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 691–709, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-691-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-691-2019, 2019
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We investigated the management of long-term environmental pollution by organochlorine pesticides. We selected the case of chlordecone on the island of Martinique. We propose a conceptual model of organochlorine fate accounting for physical conditions relative to soils and geology. This model explains pollution variability in water but also the dynamics of pollution trends. It helps to identify risky areas where pollution will last for a long time and where more attention is needed.
Anoop Kumar Shukla, Shray Pathak, Lalit Pal, Chandra Shekhar Prasad Ojha, Ana Mijic, and Rahul Dev Garg
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 5357–5371, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5357-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5357-2018, 2018
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In this study, we carried out a comparative evaluation of water yield using two approaches, the Lumped Zhang model and the pixel-based approach. Even in pixel-level computations, experiments are made with existing models of some of the involved parameters. The study indicates not only the suitability of pixel-based computations but also clarifies the suitable model of some of the parameters to be used with pixel-based computations to obtain better results.
Anoop Kumar Shukla, Chandra Shekhar Prasad Ojha, Ana Mijic, Wouter Buytaert, Shray Pathak, Rahul Dev Garg, and Satyavati Shukla
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 4745–4770, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4745-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-4745-2018, 2018
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Geospatial technologies and OIP are promising tools to study the effect of demographic changes and LULC transformations on the spatiotemporal variations in the water quality (WQ) across a large river basin. Therefore, this study could help to assess and solve local and regional WQ-related problems over a river basin. It may help the policy makers and planners to understand the status of water pollution so that suitable strategies could be planned for sustainable development in a river basin.
Melanie K. Vanderhoof, Charles R. Lane, Michael G. McManus, Laurie C. Alexander, and Jay R. Christensen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1851–1873, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1851-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1851-2018, 2018
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Effective monitoring and prediction of flood and drought events requires an improved understanding of surface water dynamics. We examined how the relationship between surface water extent, as mapped using Landsat imagery, and climate, is a function of landscape characteristics, using the Prairie Pothole Region and adjacent Northern Prairie in the United States as our study area. We found that at a landscape scale wetlands play a key role in informing how climate extremes influence surface water.
Mariana Madruga de Brito, Mariele Evers, and Adrian Delos Santos Almoradie
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 373–390, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-373-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-373-2018, 2018
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This paper sheds light on the integration of interdisciplinary knowledge in the assessment of flood vulnerability in Taquari-Antas river basin, Brazil. It shows how stakeholder participation is crucial for increasing not only the acceptance of model results but also its quality.
Nicolas Avisse, Amaury Tilmant, Marc François Müller, and Hua Zhang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 6445–6459, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6445-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6445-2017, 2017
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Information on small reservoir storage is crucial for water management in a river basin. However, it is most of the time not freely available in remote, ungauged, or conflict-torn areas. We propose a novel approach using satellite imagery information only to quantitatively estimate storage variations in such inaccessible areas. We apply the method to southern Syria, where ground monitoring is impeded by the ongoing civil war, and validate it against in situ measurements in neighbouring Jordan.
Rangaswamy Madugundu, Khalid A. Al-Gaadi, ElKamil Tola, Abdalhaleem A. Hassaballa, and Virupakshagouda C. Patil
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 6135–6151, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6135-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-6135-2017, 2017
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In view of the pressing need to assess the productivity of agricultural fields in Saudi Arabia, this study was undertaken in an attempt to apply the METRIC model with Landsat-8 imagery for the determination of spatial and temporal variability in ET aiming at optimizing the quantification of crop water requirement and the formulation of efficient irrigation schedules. This paper will be of great interest to readers in the areas of agriculture (in general), water management and remote sensing.
Clara Linés, Micha Werner, and Wim Bastiaanssen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 4747–4765, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4747-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4747-2017, 2017
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This paper aims at identifying Earth observation data sets that can help river basin managers detect drought conditions that may lead to impacts early enough to take mitigation actions. Six remote sensing products were assessed using two types of impact data as a benchmark: media records from a regional newspaper and crop yields. Precipitation, vegetation condition and evapotranspiration products showed the best results, offering early signs of impacts up to 6 months before the reported damages.
Zeinab Takbiri, Ardeshir M. Ebtehaj, and Efi Foufoula-Georgiou
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 2685–2700, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-2685-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-2685-2017, 2017
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We present a multi-sensor retrieval algorithm for flood extent mapping at high spatial and temporal resolution. While visible bands provide flood mapping at fine spatial resolution, their capability is very limited in a cloudy sky. Passive microwaves can penetrate through clouds but cannot detect small-scale flooded surfaces due to their coarse resolution. The proposed method takes advantage of these two observations to retrieve sub-pixel flooded surfaces in all-sky conditions.
Joseph G. Alfieri, Martha C. Anderson, William P. Kustas, and Carmelo Cammalleri
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 83–98, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-83-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-83-2017, 2017
Yan Zhao, Yongping Wei, Shoubo Li, and Bingfang Wu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4469–4481, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4469-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4469-2016, 2016
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The paper finds that combined inflow from both current and previous years' discharge determines water availability in downstream regions. Temperature determines broad vegetation distribution while hydrological variables show significant effects only in near-river-channel regions. Agricultural development curtailed further vegetation recovery in the studied area. Enhancing current water allocation schemes and regulating regional agricultural activities are required for future restoration.
Markus Enenkel, Christoph Reimer, Wouter Dorigo, Wolfgang Wagner, Isabella Pfeil, Robert Parinussa, and Richard De Jeu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4191–4208, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4191-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4191-2016, 2016
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Soil moisture is a crucial variable for a variety of applications, ranging from weather forecasting and agricultural production to the monitoring of floods and droughts. Satellite observations are particularly important in regions where no in situ measurements are available. Our study presents a method to integrate global near-real-time satellite observations from different sensors into one harmonized, daily data set. A first validation shows good results on a global scale.
Behzad Hessari, Adriana Bruggeman, Ali Mohammad Akhoond-Ali, Theib Oweis, and Fariborz Abbasi
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1903–1910, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1903-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1903-2016, 2016
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Yields of rainfed winter crops such as wheat can be substantially improved with limited supplemental irrigation. The upper Karkheh River basin in Iran has 15 840 km2 of rainfed crops. A GIS method was designed to identify suitable areas for irrigation and a routine was developed to allocate water uses and route the flows downstream. A maximum of 13 % of the rainfed cropland could be irrigated under normal flow, 9 % if environmental flow requirements are considered and 6 % under drought conditions.
Ting Xia, William P. Kustas, Martha C. Anderson, Joseph G. Alfieri, Feng Gao, Lynn McKee, John H. Prueger, Hatim M. E. Geli, Christopher M. U. Neale, Luis Sanchez, Maria Mar Alsina, and Zhongjing Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1523–1545, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1523-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1523-2016, 2016
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This paper describes a model inter-comparison and validation study conducted using sub-meter resolution thermal data from an aircraft. The model inter-comparison is between a physically based model and a very simple empirical model. The strengths and weaknesses of both modeling approaches for high-resolution mapping of water use in vineyards is described. The findings provide significant insight into the utility of complex versus simple models for precise water resources management.
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Short summary
The lack of data on how big dams are operated in the Upper Mekong, or Lancang, largely contributes to the ongoing controversy between China and the other Mekong countries. Here, we rely on satellite observations to reconstruct monthly storage time series for the 10 largest reservoirs in the Lancang. Our analysis shows how quickly reservoirs were filled in, what decisions were made during recent droughts, and how these decisions impacted downstream discharge.
The lack of data on how big dams are operated in the Upper Mekong, or Lancang, largely...
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