Simulation of Lake Water Volume in Ungauged Terminal Lake Basin Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing

Obtaining the water volume of small- and medium-sized lakes in enclosed watersheds with scarce data is a global focus of research. River flow into a lake is an important factor affecting the water volume. However, most river flow measurement methods involve long cycles, low efficiency, and transdisciplinary expertise, making rapid assessments in ungauged basins impossible. This paper proposes a remote sensing flow estimation method based on multi-source remote sensing data, which quickly assesses river flow and provides important input data for lake water volume simulation. The cross-section flow was estimated by extracting the river width. The calculated results were consistent with the measured data, with accuracy greater than 90%. The results compared with daily data measured at hydrological stations, and the Nash coefficient was greater than 0.9. Additionally, the simulation method for lake area, water volume, and water level was constructed using river inflow input data, greatly reducing the parameters required by the conventional lake water volume simulation method. Based on the remote sensing discharge estimation method, we quickly and conveniently obtained changes in river flow into the lake, simulated lake water volume, and provided the basis for water resource management in terminal lake basins with scarce data.

Automated summary

This study proposes a rapid and convenient remote sensing flow estimation method based on multi-source remote sensing data, providing important input data for the water volume of small- and medium-sized lakes in enclosed watersheds with high accuracy and efficiency, suitable for lake water volume simulation and water resource management.