TR-57 : Remote sensing applications for sedimentation studies in reservoirs

Abstract

The suspended material discharged by river into reservoir, transport pollutants and are the natural material that fill channel and reservoir. The input of suspended material to reservoir is variable in concentration and composition from river to river, as well as changing with time in any particular river. The variation in average concentration is related to seasonal changes in precipitation and runoff within the drainage basin of river. The composition of the suspended material discharge by rivers into reservoirs varies from river to river, depending on the composition of the rock and soils in the rivers drainage basin, the weather climate to which these rocks and soils have been exposed and the energy of river to transport, various size of material. Remote Sensing of reflected solar radiation can provide timely and repeated information covering suspended sediment flow pattern in reservoirs.

The purpose of this report is to describe available remote sensing techniques involving sensors on board the satellite such as MSS, TM, etc. to estimate the sediment loads of reservoir. The report attempt to discuss the methods used by the investigators all over the world viz. stepwise multiple regression analysis, chromaticity analysis, principal component analysis. The report also brings out the ground truth survey strategy and sample collection, storage, in the field and water, sediment analysis in the laboratory and field measurement. The report also stresses the need for mathematical modelling to predict the reservoir sedimentation.

Few case studies from India and abroad conducted by various investigators using various remote sensing techniques for estimating suspended sediment concentration in inland and estuarine system.

Scope of the report:- The prime objective of the report is to bring about the development of remote sensing application in reservoir sedimentation. The report high lights the various remote sensing techniques available, ground truth measurement method and sensors on board the satellite for the monitoring water quality parameters primarily suspended sediment concentration