reservoirsareas
Reservoirsareas refers to the measured surface area of artificial lakes or reservoirs created by damming rivers and streams. The area is a key parameter for hydrographic studies, water resource management, and ecological assessment. It is typically expressed in hectares or square kilometers and is measured using satellite imagery, aerial photography, or ground surveys. The water surface area can vary seasonal to several percent depending on inflow, evaporation, and water extraction rates. In addition to the immediate reservoir surface, the surrounding sub‑aquatic and adjacent floodplain areas are sometimes included in broader “reservoir area” statistics, providing context for sediment deposition, nutrient cycling, and habitat connectivity.
Reservoir area data are used in numerous applications. Hydrologists calculate storage capacity and predict flood attenuation
Global database projects, like the Global Reservoir and Dam database (GRanD) and the World Lake Database, compile