Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Emergence of Small Ponds in Western Kentucky Derived from Sentinel Time-Series Data (2015–2025)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Geoinformatics
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Haluk Cetin
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Small ponds play a critical role in agricultural landscapes by supporting irrigation and livestock, yet their spatial distribution and temporal dynamics remain insufficiently understood at local scales. In addition to their benefits, these water bodies may influence hydrological processes and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, making their monitoring increasingly important.
This study aims to (1) quantify and analyze the seasonal dynamics of small ponds in Hickman, Graves, Marshall, and Calloway counties in western Kentucky from 2015 to 2025, and (2) assess the emergence of new persistent ponds over time. Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite imagery at 10 m spatial resolution was used to detect surface water through a threshold-based classification approach. Monthly water extent maps were generated and analyzed using time-series methods to evaluate seasonal variability and long-term trends. Changes in pond distribution were assessed by comparing an early baseline period (2015–2016) with a recent period (2024–2025) to identify newly established or persistent water bodies.
The results provided insights into the stability, expansion, and contraction of small ponds over the past decade, contributing to a better understanding of hydrological dynamics and landscape change in western Kentucky. This study also demonstrates the utility of multi-year Sentinel time-series data for monitoring small water bodies in agricultural regions.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Emergence of Small Ponds in Western Kentucky Derived from Sentinel Time-Series Data (2015–2025)
Small ponds play a critical role in agricultural landscapes by supporting irrigation and livestock, yet their spatial distribution and temporal dynamics remain insufficiently understood at local scales. In addition to their benefits, these water bodies may influence hydrological processes and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, making their monitoring increasingly important.
This study aims to (1) quantify and analyze the seasonal dynamics of small ponds in Hickman, Graves, Marshall, and Calloway counties in western Kentucky from 2015 to 2025, and (2) assess the emergence of new persistent ponds over time. Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite imagery at 10 m spatial resolution was used to detect surface water through a threshold-based classification approach. Monthly water extent maps were generated and analyzed using time-series methods to evaluate seasonal variability and long-term trends. Changes in pond distribution were assessed by comparing an early baseline period (2015–2016) with a recent period (2024–2025) to identify newly established or persistent water bodies.
The results provided insights into the stability, expansion, and contraction of small ponds over the past decade, contributing to a better understanding of hydrological dynamics and landscape change in western Kentucky. This study also demonstrates the utility of multi-year Sentinel time-series data for monitoring small water bodies in agricultural regions.