Monitoring Reservoir Formation Using Remote Sensing and Terrain Analysis: A Case Study of Gurara Reservoir
This study uses satellite imagery, terrain data, and hydrological flow analysis to examine how the Gurara Reservoir in Kaduna State transformed from a natural drainage basin into a permanent water body between 2001 and 2010.
Abstract Summary
Reservoir systems are critical for water storage, irrigation, hydropower generation, and climate resilience. This research investigates the formation of the Gurara Reservoir using Landsat timelapse imagery, Digital Elevation Models, and hydrological flow analysis.
The work shows a major land-cover transition from a natural drainage basin to a permanent reservoir system after dam construction, and explains how terrain morphology and water-flow pathways shaped the reservoir's expansion.
Data and Tools
- Landsat satellite imagery for historical landscape monitoring between 2001 and 2010.
- SRTM Digital Elevation Model for terrain and elevation analysis.
- MERIT Hydro data for hydrological flow direction and drainage interpretation.
- Copernicus Global DEM for additional elevation and terrain characterization.
- Google Earth Engine, the Earth Engine Python API, and QGIS for analysis and visualization.
Research Findings
Why It Matters
The study demonstrates the value of geospatial monitoring for long-term environmental change, water-resource planning, and climate adaptation. It also points to a future research direction where artificial intelligence and Earth observation systems can help predict reservoir lifecycle changes under climate variability.