Affiliation:
1. Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement and Early Warning Technology for Urban Environmental Health Risks School of Environmental Science and Engineering Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen China
2. DTU Space Technical University of Denmark Kongens Lyngby Denmark
3. Henan Key Laboratory of Water Resources Conservation and Intensive Utilization in the Yellow River Basin North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power Zhengzhou China
Abstract
AbstractRecent droughts have severely threatened water security in many regions worldwide. Reservoirs, designed to combat droughts and secure water supply partially, are reported failing to fill up to the total capacity due to severe droughts. How bad is climate affecting reservoir filling up on a global scale? This issue has not been studied. We present a big picture of reservoirs in crisis using satellite altimetry. Thanks to the unique characteristics of CryoSat‐2, 525 reservoirs worldwide were investigated during 2010–2022. Results show that most reservoirs (93%) are found not fully filled up at least once. About 21% of reservoirs, which are mainly located in the Southern Hemisphere, show a significant decline in water levels. Moreover, about 20% of reservoirs with larger level fluctuations (>3 m) are located in less developed economies, indicating informed operation rules are needed. Further analyses indicate reservoirs are largely affected by extreme climate events, such as ENSO.
Funder
Changjiang River Scientific Research Institute
Southern University of Science and Technology
Publisher
American Geophysical Union (AGU)