•  
  •  
 

Publication Date

2006

Keywords

hydrometeorology, Devils Lake, remote sensing, GIS, runoff

Abstract

The spatial distribution of stocks of water is useful in studying flood, water pollution and water supply problems. Flood prone and closed basin watersheds benefit from spatial water balance studies in understanding the hydrologic processes and deal with excess water problems. In this study, we present results of a study of the hydrology Devils Lake basin of the Red River of the North, northeastern North Dakota partitioned in to two parts. Part 1 addresses the hydrometeorological analysis and lake surface area mapping of the basin and Part 2 deals with spatial surface water balance modeling using Landsat images and geographic information system (GIS). Hydrometeorological analysis using 100-years of historical record for the Devils Lake basin was conducted to capture the historical variability of the flood. In addition, surface area of the lake was mapped using Landsat image from 1991 to 2003. The Hydrometeorological analysis of the historical data showed the runoff inflow from upstream watersheds driven by snowmelt and spring rain falling on wet soil is the dominant source of the lake rise. Results show an increase in lake surface area by 117% between 1993 and 2003. The analysis also showed a correlation and possible interactions between the lake and the Spritwood aquifer indicating potential contribution of the groundwater flux to the water budget.

Download

Share

COinS