Remote sensing and GIS approach for assessment of the water balance of a watershed / Evaluation par télédétection et SIG du bilan hydrologique d'un bassin versant

• Published in: Hydrological sciences journal Vol. 49; no. 1; pp. 131 - 141
• Main Authors: Singh, R. K., Prasad, V. Hari, Bhatt, C. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IAHS Press 01-02-2004
• Subjects: bassin de Nana Kosi, Himalaya, Inde; bilan hydrologique; déficit en eau; excédent d'eau; GIS; Nana Kosi watershed, Himalayas, India; remote sensing; SIG; télédétection; water balance; water deficit; water surplus
• ISSN: 0262-6667; 2150-3435
• DOI: 10.1623/hysj.49.1.131.53997

Abstract The demand for water is increasing with growing population and industrialization. Water supply is considered to be one of the key factors for rapid development and urbanization. However, the overexploitation of water resources has resulted in a condition of unsustainability and environmental degradation. Hence, the information on spatial and temporal availability of water will be helpful for the optimum utilization of water resources. The water balance was used for computing seasonal and geographical patterns of water availability to facilitate better management of available water resources. The water balance study using the Thornthwaite and Mather (TM) model with the help of remote sensing and GIS is very helpful in finding out the periods of moisture deficit and moisture surplus for an entire basin. This study indicates that there is an annual deficit of 288.56 mm in the study basin and an annual surplus of 307.76 mm. The Nana Kosi watershed has a period of moisture surplus from June to August and the remaining months are a period of deficit.