Satellite observations reveal significant water storage declines in many of the world's largest lakes
In short: By analyzing three decades of satellite data, researchers found that 53% of the 1,972 largest global lakes experienced statistically significant declines in water storage between 1992 and 2020. This widespread loss of freshwater is particularly concerning as roughly one-quarter of the global population lives within the basins of drying lakes.
The study used satellite imagery, climate data, and hydrologic models to track changes in lake volumes. The researchers found that warming temperatures, higher evaporation, and human water use drive volume loss in natural lakes, while sedimentation is the main driver of storage loss in reservoirs.
This research highlights a growing threat to the 87% of Earth's liquid surface freshwater stored in lakes, though the study's reliance on large-scale satellite and modeling data may not capture smaller, local fluctuations.
Why it matters: The widespread decline in lake storage threatens the water security of a quarter of the global population.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Yao et al. (2023). Satellites reveal widespread decline in global lake water storage. Science.
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/nature-research-satellite-data-reveals-widespread-decline-in-global-lake-wat.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Nature · Latest · A–Z · All topics
