Initial analysis of Essential Climate Variables from ESA's Lake_CCI Satellite Data Package

Lakes are rapidly responding strategic systems and key sentinels of global change. A globally harmonized observation approach is needed to identify climate signals in lake physical, hydrological and biogeochemical change to support numerical models. One effort in this direction is the ongoing European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative for Lakes (CCI Lakes). The overarching objective of the project is to produce and validate a consistent data set of Essential Climate Variables for lakes. This includes aiming for the longest period of combined satellite observations by designing and operating processing chains, designed to ultimately feature in a sustainable production system. Lakes CCI focuses on the following five thematic climate variables: oLake Water Level (LWL) oLake Water Extent (LWE) oLake Surface Water temperature (LSWT) oLake Ice Cover (LIC): dynamics of freeze-up in autumn and break-up in spring oLake Water-Leaving Reflectance (LWLR): estimates of chlorophyll-a and turbidity The first Climate Research Data Package (v1, 2020) was recently created for up to 250 globally distributed lakes. It brings together the state-of-the-art in satellite observation using thermal, optical and altimetry missions. The Lakes_cci products are open public and easy to access so that it definitely presents an opportunity for lake scientists and climate modellers worldwide to perform studies for which the five lakes variables present an important dataset. In this conference we will present the project overview and progress with a focus on the preliminary results of the 5 ECVs at global level and in particular regions.