Unveiling the Dam Operation Rules in Transboundary Basins Though Hydrologic Modeling and Satellite Observations

Abstract Submission: Artificial reservoirs and dams provide numerous benefits, such as flood control, irrigation, and hydropower generation, but they significantly alter downstream river systems by regulating water releases and diverting water to other basins. Understanding reservoir operation rules is essential for stakeholders in downstream areas to adapt to these changes. However, due to economic and political constraints, direct observations of reservoir operations are often unavailable, especially in developing and transboundary regions. Satellite remote sensing has recently provided valuable data on surface water extent or water level, enhancing hydrologic modeling in data-scarce areas. Yet, few studies have explored dam operation rules using satellite data. This study aims to uncover the operation rules of dams in transboundary river basins using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and satellite observations. The Bukhan River basin, shared by South and North Korea, serves as the study area, with the Imnam Dam upstream in North Korea, where no public operational data is available. Water levels and reservoir surface areas were extracted from satellite data to infer the operation of the Imnam dam. The SWAT model was calibrated using ground and satellite observations. The study seeks to estimate the rule curve and quantify inter-basin water transfers, addressing key questions: (1) Is satellite data valuable to infer dam operation in data-limited basins? (2) Which satellite data is most effective? (3) How reliable are the derived dam operation rules? This research advances methodologies for understanding dam operations using satellite data and offers valuable insights for regional stakeholders.

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