Assessment of anthropogenic and climate-driven water storage variations over water-stressed river basins of Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Globally, surface water, groundwater, soil moisture, snow storage, canopy water, and wet biomass constituents make up water storage, which plays a significant role in the hydrological water balance. Evaluating the variations in water storage anomalies associated with climate forcing and human activities over river basins is crucial for assessing water scarcity and predicting potential pressures on water resources in the future. In this study, we assessed the impacts of climatic and anthropogenic drivers on the change in water storage in the river basins of Ethiopia by using the independent component analysis to examine Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment with the Global Land Data Assimilate System-based water storage and comparing the independent component analysis with hydro-meteorological data and statistical data related to human activities. It is of great significance for helping people better understand the evaluation of terrestrial water storage anomalies under the combined influence of climatic change and anthropogenic activities and providing information for better protection and utilization of water resources at river basin level. It is crucial to take effective measures to protect these precious land and water resources and prevent their further deterioration. The estimated result will be essential for sustainable water management and protection.