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Terrestrial water storage and climate variability study of the Volta River Basin, West Africa

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Abstract

The Volta Basin in West Africa plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people, and effective management of its water resources is essential for climate change adaptation. This study utilized remote sensing technology, specifically the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), to assess terrestrial water storage (TWS) and its response to climate variability within the Volta Basin. The methodology involved integrating GRACE data with ground-based measurements, climate models, and other satellite observations to enhance the accuracy of TWS assessment. Despite numerous studies conducted within the basin, this research employed additional statistical techniques such as Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It also utilized Climate Hazard Group Infrared Precipitation with Station (CHIRPS) to determine variations in TWS and climate variability observed within the Volta Basin. The results provide valuable insights into TWS dynamics, highlighting the complex interplay between precipitation patterns, groundwater storage, and surface water availability. Also, it was revealed that rainfall signals were strongest in the northernmost part of the basin, reaching a maximum value of 10 mm, while the lowest value of 5.5 mm was recorded in the southern part of the basin. Similarly, TWS signals were highest in the northern and lowest in the southern part of the basin, exhibiting values related to that of rainfall. Additionally, the highest TWS value of 250 mm was identified between 2010 and 2012. The increase in TWS during this period correlates with the occurrence of La Niña that happened between 2010 and 2012. This study offers essential information for water resource management, drought monitoring, flood forecasting, and climate change adaptation strategies not only within the Volta Basin but also in other basins across the globe.

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Funding

This work was funded by the World Bank through the Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Center (RWESCK) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, under the Africa Center of Excellence Project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Julia Atayi

  2. Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi, World Bank’s Africa Centre of Excellence Project, Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Geophrey K. Anornu

  3. School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

    Alfred Awotwi

  4. Department of Geomatic Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Samuel A. Andam-Akorful

  5. Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana

    Amos T. Kabo-bah

  6. Department of Urban Forestry and Natural Resources, Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    Yaw A. Twumasi

  7. Department of Civil Engineering, Ho Technical University, Ho, Ghana

    Emmanuel Adu-Afari

  8. Department of Earth Science, University for Development Studies, Navrongo, Tamale, Ghana

    Maxwell Anim-Gyampo

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  1. Julia Atayi
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Contributions

Julia Atayi conceptualized and developed the research proposal; undertook the data collection, literature review, initial narrative of data analysis, interpretation of data, and modeling; and prepared the preliminary manuscript. Geophrey Kwame Anornu was involved in explanatory and statistical data analyses and modeling. Alfred Awotwi also provided secondary data, statistical data analysis, inputs to the first draft of the manuscript, and data visualization. Samuel A. Andam-Akorful offered secondary data, data analysis, and inputs to the first draft of the manuscript. Amos T. Kabo-bah, Yaw A. Twumasi, Emmanuel Adu-Afari, and Maxwell Anim-Gyampo gave directions on the data analysis and interpretation and aided in reviewing and editing the manuscript. All authors discussed the results and played major roles in the final manuscript. All authors read and accepted the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Julia Atayi.

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Atayi, J., Anornu, G.K., Awotwi, A. et al. Terrestrial water storage and climate variability study of the Volta River Basin, West Africa. Theor Appl Climatol 155, 309–325 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-023-04636-5

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