Satellite-Based Surface Water Storage Estimation: Its history, current status, and future prospects

Surface water, which refers to water stored in rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and wetlands, is a precious resource in terms of biodiversity, ecology, water management, and economics. As a significant hydrological parameter, surface water storage (SWS) influences the exchange of water and energy between the land/water surface and atmosphere. The quantification of SWS and its dynamics is crucial for a better understanding of global hydrological and biogeochemical processes. For more than 30 years, Earth observation (EO) technology has shown that SWS can be measured to some degree, and a variety of techniques have been proposed to facilitate this purpose.