Satellite-derived multivariate world-wide lake physical variable timeseries for climate studies

Area of Science:

• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Climate Science
• Hydrology
• Limnology
• Geodesy

Background:

• Lakes are critical freshwater resources and sensitive indicators of global environmental change.
• Consistent, long-term data on lake Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) are crucial for scientific research and environmental monitoring.
• Existing datasets often lack consistency and comprehensive coverage of key lake parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a unified and consistent dataset of lake ECVs using satellite observations.
• To provide a comprehensive collection of lake surface water temperature, ice cover, water-leaving reflectance, water level, and extent.
• To support research in hydrology, climatology, biogeochemistry, and other related scientific disciplines.

Main Methods:

• Combined satellite observations (optical, thermal, microwave radar) from 1992 to 2020.
• Data processing to a common grid resolution of 1/120° latitude-longitude with daily files.
• Validation against in situ measurements and consistency analysis between variables.

Main Results:

• A consistent dataset quantifying lake ECVs for over 2000 large lakes worldwide.
• Data spans 1992–2020, offering a long-term perspective on lake environmental conditions.
• The dataset represents the most complete collection of consistent satellite observations for lake ECVs currently available.

Conclusions:

• The developed Lakes ECV dataset is a valuable resource for scientific disciplines studying inland waters.
• This consistent data collection enhances our ability to monitor and understand freshwater systems and their response to climate change.
• The dataset serves as a crucial tool for assessing the role of lakes as sentinels of global environmental change.