Analysis of Surface Water Trends for the Conterminous United States Using MODIS Satellite Data, 2003–2019

Satellite imagery is commonly used to map surface water extents over time, but many approaches yield discontinuous records resulting from cloud obstruction or image archive gaps. We applied the Dynamic Surface Water Extent (DSWE) model downscaled (250-m) daily Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data in Google Earth Engine generate monthly maps for conterminous United States (US) 2003 through 2019. The aggregation of observations maximum extent produced with diminished and shadow effects across most country. continuous record analyze spatiotemporal trends stratified within Environmental Protection Agency Ecoregions. Although not all ecoregion were significant (p < 0.05), results indicate that much western eastern US underwent a decline 17-year period, while ecoregions Great Plains had positive trends. Trends also generated streamgage discharge compared same ecoregion. These agreed on directionality trend detected 54 85 ecoregions, particularly portions US, whereas congruent select deserts, Lakes region, southeastern US. By describing geographic distribution time comparing these instrumented our findings demonstrate efficacy using satellite monitor dynamics supplement traditional monitoring.