Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Observing Global Surface Water Flood Dynamics
Paul D. Bates
•
Jefferey C. Neal
•
Douglas Alsdorf
•
Guy J.-P. Schumann
Received: 14 May 2013 / Accepted: 20 November 2013 / Published online: 17 December 2013
Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013
Abstract Flood waves moving along river systems are both a key determinant of globally
important biogeochemical and ecological processes and, at particular times and particular
places, a major environmental hazard. In developed countries, sophisticated observing
networks and ancillary data, such as channel bathymetry and floodplain terrain, exist with
which to understand and model floods. However, at global scales, satellite data currently
provide the only means of undertaking such studies. At present, there is no satellite mission
dedicated to observing surface water dynamics and, therefore, surface water scientists
make use of a range of sensors developed for other purposes that are distinctly sub-optimal
for the task in hand. Nevertheless, by careful combination of the data available from
topographic mapping, oceanographic, cryospheric and geodetic satellites, progress in
understanding some of the world's major river, floodplain and wetland systems can be
made. This paper reviews the surface water data sets available to hydrologists on a global
scale and the recent progress made in the field. Further, the paper looks forward to the
proposed NASA/CNES Surface Water Ocean Topography satellite mission that may for
the first time provide an instrument that meets the needs of the hydrology community.
Keywords Floods
Surface water
Floodplains
Rivers
Wetlands
Remote
sensing
Surface water ocean topography (SWOT) mission
