Exploring Water Resource Changes of Artificial Reservoir Using Time-Series Remote Sensing Images from Landsat Sensors and in Situ Data

Abstract

Periodic and accurate assessments of the water resources changes of artificial reservoirs are important for water resource management. Danjiangkou Reservoir (DJKR) is the largest artificial freshwater lake in Asia and is the freshwater source for Middle Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MRSNWDP) in China. Remote sensing images of long time-series Landsat sensors and in situ observed storage data from 1993 to 2014 were used to monitor water resource variations of the DJKR. The results show significant monthly surface water area changes of the DJKR. Precipitation variations in the upper Hanjiang River Basin and reservoir operation missions are primarily responsible for these changes. In addition, the relationship between surface water area and reservoir storage of the DJKR can be described as a cubic polynomial model.