SWOT satellite reveals key insights on Ohio River Basin lakes and reservoirs

Researchers have been provided with a detailed analysis of lakes and reservoirs in the Ohio River Basin through data collected by the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite. According to reports, the US-European mission, a collaboration between NASA and CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales), has provided important insights into freshwater systems. The basin, covering an area the size of France and serving more than 25 million inhabitants, is under strict surveillance. The satellite has monitored global water height in oceans, rivers, lakes and reservoirs since early 2023, providing comprehensive coverage every 21 days. Its data, released earlier this year, includes water level measurements and spatial extent, providing a unique understanding of water storage and circulation.

Importance of high-resolution water data

The information generated by SWOT is being used to calculate changes in water storage over time. According to a NASA report, researchers can now evaluate river flows with greater accuracy, giving a clearer picture of how water flows in different parts of rivers. Visual data from the Ohio River Basin collected between July 2023 and November 2024 shows water levels ranging from above 1,600 feet above sea level to below 330 feet, with variations marked in yellow and dark purple. The report further said that this information is expected to assist hydrologists in assessing local and watershed-wide water availability.

Challenges in freshwater data collection

Sources note that understanding water availability has traditionally been hampered by inconsistent data collection methods. While ground sensors and aerial surveys provide some coverage, their spatial and temporal limitations require additional data from satellites. However, these measurements often require integration with computer models, which struggle to accurately represent regulated basins such as the Ohio River Basin due to dam operations.

SWOT’s integrated approach to measuring water level and extent is reportedly providing a comprehensive perspective. Hydrologist and SWOT science team member Colin Gleeson has stated in various publications that this data facilitates better collaboration among water managers. Researchers are still studying the extensive data, but it highlights the potential for revolutionary changes in water management practices.