Multi-Mission Remote Sensing Observations for Optimizing Hydrological Hazard Predictions

Satellite remote sensing observations offer unique possibilities to monitor, understand and predict hydrological hazards, particularly in ungauged catchments. In this study, we use state-of-the-art multi-mission remote sensing observations to update a hydrological model of the poorly instrumented Ogooue river in Gabon. We use a conceptual rainfall-runoff model forced with satellite-based climate observations; and calibrate the model parameters using an aggregated objective function including Sentinel-3 satellite altimetry and GRACE/GRACE-FO total water storage. The model is used to evaluate flood risk in combination with Sentinel-1 water surface extent and flood occurrence maps and to simulate the potential impact of climate change on the rainfall-runoff processes in the catchment.