Articles | Volume 18, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-6973-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-18-6973-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Data description article
| 
23 Sep 2026
Data description article |
| 23 Sep 2026
| 23 Sep 2026
Extending daily river discharge records across China using satellite-derived river widths
Yong Wang
School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
Yulin Gong
School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
Yinghong Jing
School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
Xiaojun She
School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
School of Geographical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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This study presents a cost-effective method to reconstruct lake bathymetry using only digital elevation model (DEM) data, without relying on field measurements or optical imagery. By simulating lake-level decline and using shoreline topography, it accurately infers underwater terrain. Validation across 12 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau and Lake Mead demonstrates good accuracy and generalizability, enabling scalable lake storage estimation for hydrological and ecological applications.
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This study presents a cost-effective method to reconstruct lake bathymetry using only digital elevation model (DEM) data, without relying on field measurements or optical imagery. By simulating lake-level decline and using shoreline topography, it accurately infers underwater terrain. Validation across 12 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau and Lake Mead demonstrates good accuracy and generalizability, enabling scalable lake storage estimation for hydrological and ecological applications.
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Short summary
Rivers are vital sources of freshwater, but long-term records of how much water they carry are unavailable for many regions. This study combined satellite imagery with observations from more than 1000 river gauges to create the most comprehensive daily river discharge dataset for China (1990–2024). The dataset reveals widespread declines in river discharge across much of the country and provides an important resource for water management, environmental research, and future satellite missions.
Rivers are vital sources of freshwater, but long-term records of how much water they carry are...
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