Global Reservoir Surface Area and Storage 8-Day Time Series

Aqua MODIS satellite data provides an 8-day time series of surface area, elevation, and storage for 164 global reservoirs and regulated lakes. The dataset is produced by LPCLOUD using near-infrared reflectance from the MYD09Q1 product combined with pre-established Area-Elevation curves. It offers current data for monitoring man-made and regulated water bodies.

Use Cases

• Model reservoir storage changes over time using the 8-day time series of surface area, elevation, and storage capacity columns.
• Analyze geographic distribution of reservoir dynamics using the dam location (longitude and latitude) data for 164 sites.
• Validate hydrological models by comparing satellite-derived surface area and elevation against in-situ measurements.
• Assess regional water availability trends by tracking the time-series of storage capacity for specific reservoir identifiers.

Strengths

• Covers 164 specific reservoirs and regulated lakes globally.
• Provides an 8-day temporal resolution time series for consistent monitoring.
• Integrates multiple data sources: MYD09Q1 surface reflectance and pre-established Area-Elevation curves.

Limitations

• Surface area estimates can be overestimated in regions with lake ice coverage, as noted in known issues.
• Smaller surface area dynamics in high-latitude regions have relatively large uncertainties.
• Limited to 164 specific water bodies, not a comprehensive global inventory of all reservoirs.

Provenance

Source

LPCLOUD, utilizing NASA Aqua MODIS satellite data (MYD09Q1 product).

Collection Method

Derived from image classifications of near-infrared reflectance combined with pre-established Area-Elevation curves.

Freshness

8-day update frequency.

Geography

Global coverage for 151 man-made reservoirs and 13 regulated natural lakes.