Study of morphology and suspended sediment of Bhopal Upper Lake using spatial simulation technique and remote sensing data

• Published in: Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing Vol. 37; no. 3; pp. 433 - 441
• Main Authors: Durga Rao, K. H. V., Singh, Ambesh Kumar, Roy, P. S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Springer-Verlag 01.09.2009
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Freshwater; Remote Sensing/Photogrammetry; Research Article; India, Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal; Suspended sediment; Lake morphology; Geographic information system; Connectivity operator; Spatial simulation; Remote sensing
• ISSN: 0255-660X; 0974-3006
• DOI: 10.1007/s12524-009-0034-6

The scope of this research was to study lake morphology using spatial simulation technique, to develop revised elevation-capacity curve, to develop elevation-water spread area curve, to study the relation between suspended sediment and remote sensing satellite data, and to estimate suspended sediment load in the lake using a Geographic Information System coupled with ground truth. The study area was the Bhopal Upper Lake, which has been classified as one of the major wetlands in India by the Ministry of Water Resources, India. A precise digital elevation model was created using 0.5 meter interval contour information collected from bathometric surveys. Water-spread areas at different water levels were simulated spatially in a Geographic Information System (GIS) through the neighbourhood connectivity operator. Revised elevation-capacity curve and elevation-area curve of the lake were prepared using the simulated results. Simulated water spread area at full tank level (FTL) was compared with the actual water spread area delineated using remote sensing data. Water samples at different locations of the lake were collected and located using the Global Positioning System (GPS) instrument. These samples were analysed in the laboratory for suspended sediment concentration. Different image processing techniques were applied to LANDSAT 5 TM satellite digital data (except thermal band). Correlation between radiance values of band 2 and suspended sediments was established and a positive linear equation was found to fit the data best. Spatial distribution of suspended sediment load was estimated using the developed regression equation and band 2 radiance image of the complete lake. Total suspended sediment load and loss of capacity at full tank level were computed.