Research Questions/Objectives:
This Honours project seeks to develop and validate methodologies for integrating SWOT satellite data with other altimetry and optical datasets to monitor and analyse inland water dynamics. The study will focus on:
Research Questions:
Brief Description of the Project:
This honours project aims to use the SWOT satellite, along with other altimetry and optical satellites, to monitor and map inland water dynamics in Northwest Australia—a region that frequently experiences severe droughts—as well as wetland areas and agricultural lands in coastal regions. By analysing water surface elevations, volume changes, and the relationship between water availability and land use, this project will provide valuable insights into hydrological dynamics for agricultural, grazing, and wetland management. The study will also explore applications in sugarcane and horticultural farming in coastal areas. The integration of multiple satellite datasets will contribute to sustainable water management strategies, supporting resilience in the face of droughts and benefiting agriculture, grazing, wetland conservation, and horticultural practices.
Background and Significance of the Research Question to drought risk, vulnerability, preparedness, or resilience:
Ground-based monitoring on inland water bodies via gauge stations has declined significantly over the last four decades primarily due to high costs, insufficient observational coverage, and low accuracy. With the continuous development of remote sensing technologies, satellites will become increasingly more important for monitoring inland water bodies. Surface water and ocean and ocean topography (SWOT) satellite provides continuous monitoring of the elevation of ocean and land water levels with high accuracy, temporal resolution, and spatial coverage. The publicly available data has ground-breaking applications for monitoring meteorological changes and agricultural management, including drought resilience and preparedness. This data can used for tracking and modelling drought risk in drought-prone areas such as North-Western QLD.
Academic and research experience relevant to the honours project:
I have completed a Bachelor of Marine Science at JCU, focusing on physical oceanography, coastal and catchment geomorphology, and remote sensing. I acquired relevant skills in surveying and GIS among other programs relevant to the project. Additionally, I have volunteered in the field with my supervisor Dr. Ben Jarihani on an agricultural and wetland restoration project.
Principal Supervisor’s skills and experience in relation to this project topic:
Dr. Ben Jarihani is a highly accomplished Water Engineer and Hydrologist with an extensive career encompassing Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydraulic Design, Geomorphology, Soil Erosion, and Wetland Modelling. Dr. Jarihani’s professional experience encompasses academia, teaching, research, and consultancy.
Dr. Jarihani’s commitment to advancing the field is evident through substantial contributions to environmental modelling. His comprehensive expertise underscores his ability to address the intricate dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Jarihani has garnered recognition for specific achievements and projects across these diverse domains, attesting to the depth and breadth of his contributions. Dr Jarihani is involved actively involved in projects encompassing spatial hydrology and the application of remotely sensed data and GIS in hydrological and hydraulic modelling.
My name is Lily, and I am 25 years old with an undergraduate degree in Marine Science. Growing up in Lennox Head, I was always drawn to the ocean—surfing, diving, and exploring the coastal environment fostered my deep appreciation for marine and aquatic systems. I chose to study marine science because I wanted to turn that passion into a career. While marine biology often takes the spotlight, I was more captivated by the physical processes that shape our oceans—currents, waves, sediments, and hydrodynamics.
I am currently undertaking my honours research with Dr. Ben Jarihani, focusing on the application of remote sensing technologies to measure water surface elevation in small, intermediate, and large inland water bodies, as well as coastal areas in North-East Queensland. My research involves testing data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite against in-situ water loggers to assess the satellite’s accuracy, particularly for smaller water bodies such as dams and lakes, which are often more challenging to detect. Understanding these variations in water surface elevation is crucial for better water resource management, flood prediction, and ecosystem monitoring.
This research excites me because it combines my love for the marine and freshwater environments with cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems. By improving the accuracy of remote sensing data, we can enhance our ability to monitor and manage water systems more effectively, which is increasingly important in the face of climate change and water security challenges. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this field and look forward to the insights this research will bring.
Future Career Goals:
I am excited to undergo the process of research and publishing with this project, and to see what opportunities are around the corner.
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