Cooper Creek multi-satellite flood inundation characterisation

Abstract

This dataset represents the results of an assessment and uncertainty analysis of a multi-satellite flood inundation characterisation. Data was assessed from Landsat water observations from space (WOfS) and MODIS open water likelihood (OWL). The aim is to detect impact of development on flood characteristics by pairing floods of similar magnitudes, 'pre-development’ and ‘post-development’. This is to investigate if differences in flood characteristics (i.e., flood extent and flood duration) of these ‘pre-development’ and ‘post-development’ paired floods are related to that development or not. Initial results suggest that natural variability of floods (e.g., each flood has different hydraulics and sediments are dynamic) and the inherent uncertainty in reflective-satellite-imagery-based observations of surface water hydrology on the Cooper Creek floodplain have more influence on flood characteristics than does development on the floodplain.

Attribution

Geological and Bioregional Assessment Program

History

Two long-term, freely available satellite data types with differing spatial resolution and revisit frequency were assessed: MODIS open water likelihood (250 m; daily) and Landsat water observations from space (25 m; 16-days). 22 floods from 2001 to 2018 were assessed. Floods of similar magnitudes have been paired and the known location and history of developments on the floodplain along with the differences in flood characteristics determined. The accompanying ANZLIC metadata statement describes the history in more detail.