Salda Lake's Shrinking Waters: A 20-Year Satellite Analysis

Abstract

This comprehensive study employed remote sensing techniques to thoroughly investigate the significant water level fluctuations in Salda Lake, a renowned natural wonder in Turkey. The research utilized Landsat satellite imagery from 2004, 2014, and 2024 to meticulously analyze changes in the lake's surface area over two decades. To accurately delineate water bodies and detect even subtle variations in water levels, the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) method was applied. This method proved highly effective in distinguishing aquatic features from surrounding terrestrial elements, providing precise data on the lake's evolving footprint. The results of the NDWI analysis unequivocally demonstrated a distinct and concerning trend of declining water levels in Salda Lake. The quantitative data collected over the twenty-year period clearly illustrates a substantial reduction in the lake's water volume. To further understand this diminishing trend and project future scenarios, the annual water level data was subsequently subjected to a linear regression model. This statistical modeling approach allowed for a mathematical representation of the relationship between the analyzed years and the corresponding water levels, enabling the prediction of future trends based on past observations. The linear regression analysis confirmed a consistent and sustained decrease in Salda Lake's water level, underscoring the severity of the situation. This study not only highlights the critical role of remote sensing in effective water resource monitoring but also provides invaluable insights into the environmental changes impacting sensitive ecosystems like Salda Lake. The findings carry profound implications for regional water management strategies and are crucial for informing efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on this vital natural asset. The data suggests an urgent need for intervention and sustainable practices to protect Salda Lake from further degradation.

Keywords

• Salda Lake
• Water Level Change
• Remote Sensing
• NDWI
• Linear Regression

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