A new insight on the water level dynamics of the Danube Delta using a high spatial density of SAR measurements

SummaryIn this work, an interferometric ALOS PalSAR dataset acquired between 2007 and 2010 is used to measure water level changes for the first time within a hydrographical unit of the Danube Delta in Romania at the Black Sea. When the Differential Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (DInSAR) technique was applied, it revealed a previously unknown and spectacular dynamic of the water levels in Danube Delta. The results are presented in the form of water level change maps for different periods of time. The DInSAR measurements for a number of locations are compared with extrapolated water level change values obtained from an existing mathematical model of the hydrological regime in the Danube Delta. The comparison shows a very good correlation between DInSAR measurements and the mathematical model, showing that this method using L-band ALOS PalSAR data and applied to a wetland area of Danube Delta can be used to increase the spatial density of water level measurements and contributes to a better understanding of hydrological processes.

► ALOS PalSAR data were used to measure water level changes in the Danube Delta.
► Water dynamics at various stages of the wetland was observed with DInSAR technique.
► Individual water bodies can be identified at lower water levels.
► The water level changes from DInSAR and from a hydrological model were compared.