Abstract
Abstract. Temporal variations of surface water volume over inundated areas of the Lower Ob' Basin in Siberia, one of the largest contributor of freshwater to the Arctic Ocean, are estimated using combined observations from a multisatellite inundation dataset and water levels over rivers and floodplains derived from the TOPEX/POSEIDON (T/P) radar altimetry. We computed time-series of monthly maps of surface water volume over the common period of available T/P and multisatellite data (1993–2004). The results exhibit interannual variabilities similar to precipitation estimates and river discharge observations. This study also presents monthly estimates of groundwater and permafrost mass anomalies during 2003–2004 based on a synergistic analysis of multisatellite observations and hydrological models. Water stored in the soil is isolated from the total water storage measured by GRACE when removing the contributions of both the surface reservoir, derived from satellite imagery and radar altimetry, and the snow estimated by inversion of GRACE measurements. The time variations of groundwater and permafrost are then obtained when removing the water content of the root zone reservoir simulated by hydrological models.
Highlights
All climate scenarios agree on the high sensitivity of the northern regions to global change, with a stronger warming at these latitudes than globally
Other recent evidences of change in the Arctic hydrology were revealed with the analysis of optical remote sensing images by Smith et al (2005) which showed a reduction between 1975 and 1997 in the number of lakes in West Siberia that could be related to permafrost thawing
We demonstrate that remote sensing and hydrological modelling can be combined to estimate water storage changes in the Lower Ob’ Basin by combining highresolution imagery-derived inundation extents, altimetryderived water level measurements and gravimetry from space products, and soil water outputs from hydrological models
Summary
All climate scenarios agree on the high sensitivity of the northern regions to global change, with a stronger warming at these latitudes than globally. Other recent evidences of change in the Arctic hydrology were revealed with the analysis of optical remote sensing images by Smith et al (2005) which showed a reduction between 1975 and 1997 in the number of lakes in West Siberia that could be related to permafrost thawing. These modifications could lead to significant repercussions on both the biogeochemical and hydrological cycles of northern high latitude systems, with further influence on the global climate
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
