Cloud computing and spatial hydrology for monitoring the Buyo and Kossou reservoirs in Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

The Buyo and Kossou reservoirs are crucial for water supply, agricultural irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation in Côte d'Ivoire. However, climate change threatens the stability and availability of these water resources by increasing rainfall variability, extending drought periods, and intensifying extreme weather events. These challenges underscore the need for precise and continuous monitoring of water levels and surface areas to ensure sustainable management. Due to the scarcity of gauging stations, the objective of this study is to leverage cloud computing technologies along with altimetric and satellite data, for effective reservoir monitoring. Tools like the EO-Africa program's Innovation Lab and Google Earth Engine (GEE), along with advanced image processing software such as PyGEE-SWToolbox and AlTis, were used to process large datasets from the Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-3 satellites. These satellites delivered extensive, high-resolution imagery and altimetric data, crucial for monitoring changes in the reservoirs. The processed data were validated with in-situ measurements, yielding a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of less than 0.4 m and a correlation coefficient exceeding 0.90. The results highlighted water surface and level changes from 2016 to 2022, with downward trends and seasonal variations closely aligning with in-situ measurements. The study also revealed that the relationship between water levels and surface areas is influenced by both precipitation and the hydrological regimes of the Bandama and Sassandra rivers, demonstrating the complexity of water dynamics in these reservoirs. This research emphasizes the effectiveness of integrating spatial hydrology with cloud computing tools for fast and accurate monitoring of large reservoir. The use of these advanced technologies provides near real-time, reliable, and easily accessible data, offering a significant advantage for water resource management in Côte d'Ivoire.