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Dr. Huilin Gao is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University. She received a BS from Peking University, and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. Specializing in remote sensing and modeling, her research focuses on hydrologic monitoring and prediction, climate change, and water resources management. Dr. Gao is a recipient of the CAREER Award from the NSF, the Gulf Research Program Early-Career Research Fellowship from the National Academies, and the Robert E. Horton Lecturer in Hydrology by American Meteorological Society.

Abstract

Reservoir Dynamics in the Context of Hydrology and Water Resources Management

Reservoir flow regulation represents the most intensive human-induced alteration of the hydrological cycle. However, holistic knowledge about reservoir dynamics is severely limited across spatiotemporal scales. Consequently, reservoir estimates with large uncertainties are inadequate for supporting decisions related to water resources management. This talk will aim towards revealing reservoir dynamics in the context of hydrology and water management. Several newly developed (publicly available) remotely sensed reservoir storage and evaporation datasets spanning across regional to global scales will be introduced. By quantifying the variability and long-term trends of multiple key processes of these reservoirs, a deeper understanding of the anthropogenic impacts on surface water—from climate change to flow regulations—can be achieved. A few applications which can support water resources management will also be presented. One example is near real-time daily reservoir evaporation monitoring in the western US, which helps water managers with reservoir flow regulation. Another example is the reservoir-based drought monitor. The talk will conclude with a brief discussion on unresolved challenges and unprecedented opportunities (e.g., the SWOT mission).