Articles | Volume 30, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-2741-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-2741-2026
Research article
 | 
08 May 2026
Research article |  | 08 May 2026

Integrating topographic continuity and lake recession dynamics for improved bathymetry mapping from DEMs

Fukun Tao, Yong Wang, Yinghong Jing, Xiaojun She, Shanlong Lu, and Yao Li

Cited articles

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Durand, M., Andreadis, K. M., Alsdorf, D. E., Lettenmaier, D. P., Moller, D., and Wilson, M.: Estimation of bathymetric depth and slope from data assimilation of swath altimetry into a hydrodynamic model, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L20401, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GL034150, 2008. 
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Short summary
This study presents a cost-effective method to reconstruct lake bathymetry using only digital elevation model (DEM) data, without relying on field measurements or optical imagery. By simulating lake-level decline and using shoreline topography, it accurately infers underwater terrain. Validation across 12 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau and Lake Mead demonstrates good accuracy and generalizability, enabling scalable lake storage estimation for hydrological and ecological applications.
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